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Section 3. Strategic Framework for Inshore Fisheries
Key elements
24. The key elements of the strategic framework are as follows.
- High level objectives for inshore fisheries will be set at a national level by SIFAG in liaison with SEERAD and other government bodies. These will be wide ranging and will set out the overall general vision and aspirations for Scottish inshore fisheries.
- In order to focus these high level objectives and ensure they are relevant to the distinct inshore fisheries around the Scottish coast, a network of inshore fisheries groups will be established, covering all Scottish inshore waters.
- These inshore fisheries groups will develop local objectives, complementary to the high level objectives, which reflect the priorities and circumstances of different areas.
- Inshore fisheries groups will also develop local management plans to deliver the objectives.
- In developing management plans, inshore fisheries groups will select the most appropriate management measures to deliver objectives.
- A series of tests will be applied to establish whether objectives and management measures conflict, or have unintended consequences.
- Management measures will be supported by performance indicators, to enable an assessment to be made of the effectiveness of the action.
- Local management plans will be approved at national level by SIFAG, in liaison with SEERAD and other government bodies.
- SEERAD will be responsible for introducing secondary legislation, where required, to implement management plans; or inshore fisheries groups can apply for Regulating Orders to implement the plans; or a combination of the above.
Funding
25. Discussion with SIFAG and the 2004 consultation exercise identified the types of costs that would arise from the establishment of inshore fisheries groups. These fell into two different categories: running costs (such as information dissemination, venue arrangements, administrative support) and project and development costs (such as professional or consultancy fees, stock enhancement). There is scope to align some of the administrative functions that will arise from inshore fisheries groups with existing activities and infrastructures. This would avoid duplication and make best use of existing resources. The Scottish Executive has however committed to financially supporting the operation of inshore fisheries groups, and the mechanisms for doing so will be developed in discussion with organisations that may be positioned to assist.
There are a number of existing sources for funding to support fisheries project and development activity. Consideration will be given to bringing together a number of organisations to establish a source of financial support for project work.
26. The 2004 consultation exercise highlighted a range of views about whether the fishing industry should be expected to contribute financially to inshore fisheries groups. The conclusion reached by SIFAG was that industry should contribute a nominal amount to support the costs arising from inshore fisheries groups, to demonstrate commitment to the process, but that it would be unrealistic for the establishment of groups to be dependent on this source.
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