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Fisheries in Scotland
Scotland is situated at the centre of some of the most productive - and most exploited - fishing grounds in the world. Like other human activities in Scotland's seas, commercial fishing by national and international fleets can have a significant impact on Scotland's biodiversity.
We work with fisheries managers, fishing organisations and communities calling for an industry that is sustainable not only for target fish stocks but for all marine wildlife. We are advocating this 'ecosystem approach' to fisheries to regional, national and European audiences.
Inshore fisheries
We partner fishing industry representatives, Seafish, Marine Scotland (the Scottish Government Marine Directorate) and Scottish Natural Heritage on the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group.
This group co-authored the Strategic Framework for Inshore Fisheries in Scotland, which sets out to put control of inshore fisheries in the hands of local fishing communities, with advice from environmental, tourism and scientific interests.
A key element of this strategic framework is the establishment of Inshore Fishing Groups (IFGs).
Six pilot IFGs have been set up around Scotland – these are: the Clyde, Small Isles & Mull, North West, Outer Hebrides, Moray and the South East. These groups will develop sustainable management plans for commercial fisheries in their respective areas, and our work with the IFGs is already helping to ensure that fisheries do not impact on wildlife hotspots.
Sea fisheries
We sit on the Fisheries Minister's Scottish Fisheries Council (SFC), a partnership between the Scottish Government and stakeholders with an interest in commercial sea fishing. A key outcome of the SFC is to ensure sustainable seas – including sustainable stock levels and safeguarding the marine environment.
We are working to ensure that these outcomes are met, by advocating an ecosystem-based approach, focused on reducing the environmental impact of fishing and delivering sustainable fisheries for Scotland.
European fisheries
We represent BirdLife International on the Executive Committee of the North West Waters Regional Advisory Council.
Set up under the Common Fisheries Policy 2002 reforms, Regional Advisory Councils allow for greater participation by all those involved in fisheries, including environmental stakeholders.
We work within the North West Waters Regional Advisory Council to encourage an ecosystem approach to fisheries management by all European nations with fishing interests in the West of Scotland, Western Approaches, Irish Sea, Celtic Sea and English Channel. We liaise with our colleagues representing BirdLife International on the North Sea Regional Advisory Councils on issues affecting Scotland's east coast.
Last modified: 14 April 2010