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Section 1. Introduction
Ministerial Foreword
Scotland's inshore fisheries offer a diverse range of opportunities for coastal communities, and experience tells us that we must manage them carefully. In order to deliver sustainable, profitable and well managed inshore fisheries we need to balance the biological, environmental, social and economic characteristics of the fisheries and their supporting ecosystem. The diversity of inshore fisheries is an asset to Scotland, but it can be challenging to coordinate and manage such a distinct range of activities. The fishers who exploit Scotland's inshore fisheries hold a wealth of knowledge and experience, and so far that has largely been untapped in policy making.
This strategic framework for inshore fisheries in Scotland is the result of over two years of discussion, review and policy development. There are three key outputs from this work; a clear strategic direction for inshore fisheries; a new management framework that places fishers at the heart of the decision-making process; and a new cooperation between government, the fishing industry and the environmental sector. This will stand us in good stead as we develop our plans for managing the marine environment, and will assist the inshore fisheries sector in interacting with other marine sectors. The challenge has now been set to deliver sustainable inshore fisheries for the future, and there will be difficult discussions and decisions ahead. Both government and industry will have to adapt their traditional approaches and roles in fisheries management, and I believe that we have much to learn from each other.
I am particularly pleased at the achievements of the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group in this exercise. SIFAG members have been willing and able to put their sectoral differences aside and work collectively to produce this strategic framework for inshore fisheries. This leads the way in collaborative policy making on fisheries matters, and I would particularly like to express my thanks to those members who gave up their time to attend subgroup meetings and help draft the content of this document. Our plans are ambitious, and I will count on their continuing support to put them into practice. I believe that the outcome with be worth the effort.
Ross Finnie, MSP
Minister for Environment and Rural Development
Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group Members
Scottish Fishermen's Federation
Anglo-Scottish Fishermen's Association
Clyde Fishermen's Association
Mallaig & North West Fishermen's Association
Orkney Fisheries Association
Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association
Scottish White Fish Producers' Association
Shetland Fishermen's Association
Federation of Highlands & Islands Fishermen
Fife Fishermen's Association
Highlands and Islands Fishermens' Association
Sea Fish Industry Authority
Convention of Scottish Local Authorities
Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Scottish Environment LINK
Scottish Natural Heritage
Fisheries Research Services
Scottish Fisheries Protection Agency
Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department
Summary
1. The strategic review of inshore fisheries began in 2002, and this document marks the end of the review process. The key output is a strategic framework for inshore fisheries in Scotland. This sets out a strategic direction for inshore fisheries policy, and a network of inshore fisheries groups around Scotland to plan the management of inshore fisheries locally.
2. The strategic review was undertaken by the Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group, and this also signifies a change in the processes for policy development and decision making in relation to inshore fisheries. The fishing industry and other stakeholders have been directly involved in developing this new structure and direction for inshore fisheries, and that responsibility is reflected in the plans for inshore fisheries groups.
3. An action plan has been prepared in association with this strategic framework. It outlines the timescale for setting up inshore fisheries groups and identifies target dates for groups to start work.
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