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Part I: VISION AND GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The vision
1.1 Our shared vision is that:
Scotland will have sustainably managed freshwater fish and fisheries resources that provide significant economic and social benefits for its people.
The freshwater fisheries forum steering group
1.2 This Strategic Framework document has been developed by the Freshwater Fisheries Forum Steering Group 1. The Group was set up in 2004, and chaired by a senior official of the Scottish Executive. Its work on the development of the Strategic Framework commenced in July 2006. The Group comprised a wide range of stakeholders in the freshwater fisheries sector in Scotland. ( See Appendix 1.) It accomplished its task in part through subgroup working, but also met several times in plenary session. Central government, other public body/regulatory bodies, private sector, anglers, netsmen and conservation representatives on the Group all have a direct interest in the Strategic Framework's objectives and have all contributed to their formulation.
The guiding principles
Strategic Objectives
1.3 The framework takes account of the five core Strategic Objectives against which all initiatives in Scotland should be measured: Wealthier and fairer; Healthier; Safer and stronger; Smarter; and Greener. The Priorities for Action that arise from this framework will be regularly monitored and reported in the context of progress towards achieving these Objectives for freshwater fisheries.
Strategic Environmental Assessment ( SEA)
1.4 The EU Strategic Environmental Assessment Directive came into force in July 2001 and has been implemented as the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005 2. SEA is a key component of sustainable development establishing important new methods for protecting the environment and extending opportunities for participation in public policy decision making. SEA achieves this by:-
- systematically assessing and monitoring the significant environmental effects of public sector strategies, plans and programmes;
- ensuring that expertise and views are sought at various points in the process from SNH, SEPA, Historic Scotland and the public; and
- requiring a public statement as to how opinions have been taken into account.
1.5 While it did not directly influence the preparation of this Strategic Framework document, the Act will impact in due course on the delivery of at least some of the actions listed in Part Three. Some of these will constitute plans and programmes in terms of the Act, and its requirements will need to be observed in undertaking them.
Sustainable Development
1.6 The Scottish Executive published Choosing Our Future: Scotland's Sustainable Development Strategy3 in 2005. Scotland is committed to building a sustainable future. Individuals, businesses, local authorities and communities are taking action to change the way we use resources, plan and develop services, and seize the economic opportunities that sustainable development presents. Sustainability is therefore the overarching guiding principle for our vision for freshwater fisheries in Scotland and in preparing this document we have had regard to its economic, environmental, social and good governance or stewardship aspects, each of which is reflected in the guiding principles below and in our consideration of the issues in Part Two.
1.7 The definition of sustainability we have employed here is that published in Choosing Our Future:
"to enable all people throughout the world to satisfy their basic needs and enjoy a better quality of life without compromising the quality of life of future generations"
The environmental principle
1.8 Sustainable freshwater fisheries should operate in harmony with nature.
The economic principle
1.9 Freshwater fisheries should make a positive contribution to the Scottish economy through offering and promoting high quality fishing opportunities, and by being economically viable at a national and regional level within sustainable levels of exploitation.
The social principle
1.10 Freshwater fisheries will be recognised as a major contributor to the recreational enjoyment of Scotland's countryside. They will encourage social inclusion for all parts of our society by promoting recreational fishing development and increasing angling opportunities through the activity of owners, managers, and volunteers engaged in the management and use of the fisheries.
The principle of stewardship
1.11 While the first three principles relate to outcomes, the principle of stewardship relates to the ways in which these principles will be observed. It is about delivering outcomes sustainably and implementing the principle of public-private management partnership. It embraces the concepts of transparency, integration, co-ordinated government and proportionate regulation, partnership and stakeholder participation, accountability, and a culture of best practice and continuous improvement.
Equality
1.12 Progressing equality is about creating a fairer society where everyone is able to participate and everyone has the opportunity to fulfil their potential. We believe that opportunities in freshwater fisheries should not be denied to anyone because of their race or ethnicity, gender, marital or civil partnership status, disability (particularly when reasonable adjustments can be made to overcome physical barriers), age, religion or belief or sexual orientation 4.
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