The Scottish Government

Priority for Action 1
CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE GUIDANCE IN FISHERIES MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

SFCC already provides guidance on sampling techniques, and this PFA proposes to build upon that base of consistent practice. An expert group will critically review available literature and current activities in fishery management techniques that have been applied, and will publish a definitive guide on recommendations for a Code of Good Practice in all aspects of fish and fishery management. This will include:

• integrating different scales of management planning; and
• techniques for fishery improvement and enhancement in routine situations.

This extensive PFA will necessarily require to be delivered in manageable portions.

Proposed Lead Body:
SFCC
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers time allocations
• Drafting meetings
• Wider peer review
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Spring 2011

Priority for Action 2
CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR COMMERCIAL STILLWATER FISHERIES A Code of Good Practice will be developed for the operation of all stillwater fisheries in Scotland, and for other management in the catchment adjacent to such fisheries. There will be two main themes:

• biosecurity and other aspects of the interface between the fisheries and their adjacent catchment; and
• exploring the prospects for creating new fisheries, or modifying existing ones, whilst ensuring sustainability.

Aspects of this CoGP will inform PFA1, but its main focus will be on existing stillwater fisheries and catchments.

Proposed Lead Body:
ASSF
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Drafting meetings
• Wider consultation
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Spring 2009

Priority for Action 3
CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR SALMON STOCKING IN CATCHMENTS

A Code of Good Practice will be developed for the operation of all salmon hatcheries and stocking programmes within catchments. It will be based on the most recent scientific advice, and will be advised by ongoing developments arising from PFA 1.

Proposed Lead Body:
ASFB
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Drafting meetings
• Wider consultation
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Spring 2009

Priority for Action 4
FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PLANNING

Effective catchment based fisheries management planning has been recognised by the Scottish Government and the private sector as the key to ensuring that all fish stocks and fisheries are managed and developed responsibly. This recognition has come in the form of two years of funding support by the Scottish Government for the creation of FMPs in all the major catchments in Scotland. Continued support for this process from the Scottish Executive, DSFBs and Fisheries Trusts is essential.
The fisheries management planning process must build on existing best practice and be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the differing biological and other needs in various parts of the country. It should harmonise with other plans, e.g.SAC Management Plans.
In due course FMP development should be overseen and co-ordinated by the body suggested in PFA 8, but in the meantime the current FFF Steering Group is the most experienced lead body.

Proposed Lead Body:
FFFSG
Core Participants:
SFCC

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers/researchers time allocations
• Consultation and drafting meetings
• Wider consultation
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Work in progress
Complete: Ongoing

Priority for Action 5
ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF EXPLOITATION OF SALMON STOCKS

There is already a partial understanding of the scale of exploitation of salmon stocks by different sectors at catchment level, and by geographic region around Scotland. However, there has to date been no assessment of whether these levels of exploitation are appropriate given the status of stocks and populations within these stocks. A project will examine this aspect of exploitation, taking into account environmental, economic, and social impacts.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Drafting meetings
• Wider consultation
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Autumn 2008
Complete: Spring 2010

Priority for Action 6
PILOT STUDIES FOR 'ALL SPECIES' FISHERY MANAGEMENT

We will encourage, assist and monitor the progress of two pilot studies of 'all species' fish and fisheries management within existing DSFB/Trust structures. It is hoped that the pilots will be undertaken in quite different regions: East Coast and West Coast. The Aberdeenshire Dee has been selected as the East Coast pilot. The communication strategy adopted by these pilot projects will be an important feature. The project will also pull in information from other groups such as clubs and associations that are undertaking similar 'all species' fisheries management.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government; ASFB/ RAFTS
Core Participants:
FFFSG; SFCC

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Liaison with pilots - staff time
• FFFSG meetings
• Communications
• Financial support to pilot projects

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Work in progress
Complete: Summer 2010

Priority for Action 7
FISHERY DISTRICT AMALGAMATION & FISHERIES TRUST DEVELOPMENT

We will encourage the development of a strategic plan for the further amalgamation of Scotland's statutory salmon fishery districts and the development of fisheries trusts where there is clear benefit in doing so. The plan should take account of progress with the pilots ( PFA6). The plan should also take account of the experience of implementing the CoGP referred to in PFA9, taking into account the views of all stakeholders. There are 3 main project lines:

• ongoing work on amalgamation where Boards exist;
• recommendations for approaches to be taken where Boards do not currently exist; and
• development of Fisheries Trusts in those areas currently not covered by such organisations

The plan will give due consideration to the geographical and administrative relationship between Trusts and Boards and, where Boards do not exist, to the role of Trusts in such areas.

Proposed Lead Body:
ASFB & Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG; Local Groups

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Study time allocation
• Group meetings
• Wider consultation
• Final report

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Work in progress
Complete: Summer 2009

Priority for Action 8
NATIONAL CO-ORDINATION

In parallel with activities in other PFAs, a plan for national co-ordination of all aspects of national fisheries management issues (not just structures) will be developed. This plan will consider the possible evolution of the existing Steering Group of the Freshwater Fisheries Forum. Roles and responsibilities that might be considered include: technical co-ordination of fisheries management plans; administrative scrutiny of Codes of Practice; fisheries development; regulatory oversight; funding mechanisms. As the process evolves, an opportunity to establish a 'National Centre for Angling and Freshwater Fisheries Management' will be considered.

Proposed Lead Body:
Independent Chair
Core Participants:
FFFSG; SFCC

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Chair remuneration
• Group meetings
• Wider consultation
• Recommendations

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Ongoing

Priority for Action 9
CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR FISHERIES ADMINISTRATION

The Guide to Best Practice that is currently being developed by RAFTS/ ASFB will be used, if suitable, as a foundation for a Code of Good Practice for the management and administration of some other fisheries management and angling bodies. (A further technical Code of Good Practice for the management of fish stocks and fisheries will also be developed under PFA 1). Consideration will be given as to how the development of these Codes will be managed, accredited and audited. It is recognised that this process would fall naturally under the responsibility of the national co-ordinating process referred to elsewhere in this document ( PFA 8).

Proposed Lead Body:
RAFTS/ ASFB
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Researchers time allocation
• Group meetings
• Wider consultation
• Recommendation/implementation

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Work in progress
Complete: Summer 2008

Priority for Action 10
INTERFACE WITH TRIPARTITE WORKING GROUP ACTIVITIES

Interactions between wild and farmed salmon are recognised in some situations to be a source of problems for wild fisheries, particularly in the area of escapes and fish health (with an emphasis on sea-lice). Apart from their ability to breed with native fish, the same applies to rainbow trout. Considerable progress has been made in recent years with the Tri-Partite Working Group - an initiative supported and funded by the Scottish Government, wild fisheries organisations the fish farming industry/ CE/ SNH and others. We will develop and build on the existing TWG initiative to enhance our understanding of these problems and to ensure that wild / farmed fish interactions are reduced to an absolute minimum and that the industry achieves its stated goal of environmental sustainability.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government/ ASFB/ SSPO
Core Participants:
FFFSG; Fish farming companies; Fisheries Trusts; DSFBs; Crown Estate

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• National and regional officials

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Work in progress
Complete: Ongoing

Priority for Action 11
FRESHWATER FISHERIES BILL

A new Bill will be required to ensure that appropriate legislative machinery is made available to implement the recommendations that will emerge from several of the work streams identified in this strategic framework

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Researchers time allocations
• FFFSG meetings
• Wider consultation; recommendations
• A Scottish Executive Bill Team

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Summer 2008
Complete: Summer 2010

Priority for Action 12
FORGING INTERNATIONAL LINKS

Industry groups and appropriate government agencies will work together to identify and forge links with people involved in fisheries management at tourism/development, educational, research and regulatory levels in all the key North Atlantic and European freshwater fisheries nations.

Proposed Lead Body:
FFSG
Core Participants:
Enterprise Agencies, VisitScotland, EA

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Executive time resource
• ATDG/group meetings
• Travel budget
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Summer 2008
Complete: Ongoing

Priority for Action 13
WEB PORTAL FOR FISHERIES MANAGEMENT AND ANGLING

We will explore the prospects for establishing and managing a single web portal for all aspects of the sector in Scotland. The concept is to develop a 'virtual' fisheries management and angling centre, which provides access to information at all levels: biologists; anglers; businesses; and the general public. We anticipate that it will involve active links to the existing web-based sources of information about fisheries management and angling opportunities, e.g., RAFTS, ASFB, SFCA, ASSF, SANA, S&TA, IFM, FRS, SFCC etc. VisitScotland and the Enterprise Agencies should also be involved in this activity.

Proposed Lead Body:
ATDG/ RAFTS/ ASFB
Core Participants:
FFFSG; SFCC

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Expert input costs
• Group meetings
• Wider consultation & acceptance
• Recommendations & implementation

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Autumn 2007
Complete: Autumn 2008

Priority for Action 14
REVIEW OF THE STATISTICAL BULLETIN

A review of the Statistical Bulletin will be undertaken, and recommendations reported.

There are two key objectives:

• the possibility that the Bulletin can be made more informative in terms of reporting of salmonid data; and
• inclusion of datasets on all species of angling/ management interest in Scotland

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Review meetings - proposals
• Wider consultation
• Recommendations
• Implementation

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Winter 2008

Priority for Action 15
EDUCATION

It is noted that initiatives involving "Fish in the Classroom" are already making very valuable contributions to aspects of existing school curricula.
A working group will be established to investigate the possible expansion of such schemes throughout Scotland. Issues such as funding, training of staff etc. will require investigation and care will be taken not to damage the excellent projects that are already in existence.

Proposed Lead Body:
RAFTS
Core Participants:
FFFSG; Lantra; AFYD (Angling for Youth Development); SQA; sportscotland

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers time allocations
• Group meetings
• Wider meetings/consultations
• Recommendations & implementation

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Ongoing

Priority for Action 16
junior coaching

The Joint Angling Development Bodies of Scotland ( JADBOS), chaired by SNAP, will monitor, support and publicise all non-classroom activities that foster wider uptake of angling. Projects currently organised by the Governing Bodies will be encouraged and supported. JADBOS will consider and report on how the development impetus obtained as a result of SNAP can be maintained in the longer term.

Proposed Lead Body:
JADBOS
Core Participants:
FFFSG; SkillsActive; AFYD; SNAP; sportscotland

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers time allocations
• Group meetings
• Wider meetings/consultations
• Recommendations & implementation

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Ongoing
Complete: Spring 2010

Priority for Action 17
market research

Commission a market research study to examine the range of possible target markets for sustainable angling tourism, and seek recommendations for a national promotional strategy. It will also explore the current market and ways in which the potential from that can be realised - the needs, wants and expectations of existing and future markets will also be an important part of such a study.

Proposed Lead Body:
ATDG
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• ATDG meet - specification
• Tender process - time resource
• Cost of study
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Spring 2009

Priority for Action 18
PROMOTION OF SCOTTISH ANGLING

Using the market study and its strategy plan ( PFA 17), FFFSG will engage with the industry and VisitScotland in order to resource a concerted promotional activity. This would include: raising the profile of sustainable angling and better integrating it with other Scottish tourist-related sectors; establishing active alliances with related sectors in the UK and further afield; taking advantage of specific promotional activities outside Scotland.

Proposed Lead Body:
ATDG
Core Participants:
FFFSG; VisitScotland; Scottish Council for Development and Industry

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• ATDG strategy meetings
• Agency meetings
• Funding agreed activities
• Publicity

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Autumn 2009
Complete: Autumn 2011

Priority for Action 19
TRAINING CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE

A subgroup of the Forum's Steering Group will be permanently established to oversee, advise on and promote all aspects of relevant training in Scotland. Its efforts will support and be facilitated by the work of a National Training Co-ordinator. The subgroup will seek to add value and expertise to existing programmes and projects, and will specifically identify where training gaps and weaknesses currently exist. It will identify solutions to any training gaps, and seek to have those taken up by appropriate training providers. Its remit will be as wide as required, in order to meet the objectives set out in this Strategic Framework. It will report formally to the Steering Group at plenary sessions, and will produce an Annual Report of progress with training initiatives in Scotland.

Proposed Lead Body:
Lantra
Core Participants:
FFFSG; Training providers

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers time allocations
• Subgroup meetings
• Annual and ad hoc report preparation
• Publicity

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Summer 2008
Complete: Ongoing

Priority for Action 20
DISABLED ANGLING TASK FORCE

We will examine opportunities to provide support to the activities of the Scottish Disability Sport's angling co-ordination programme, and that of Scottish Disabled Flyfishers . We will specifically aim to:

• build on the existing web-based information available for disabled anglers ensuring that it covers all sectors;
• encourage, through discussions with local authorities, businesses and clubs, the development of further investment in equipment and infrastructure to provide increased access for disabled anglers; and
• provide information packs on how to improve disabled angling access.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Researchers time allocations
• Group strategy meetings
• Wider meetings - agencies, businesses
• Publication costs

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Spring 2010

Priority for Action 21
BROADEN SOCIAL INCLUSION IN ANGLING

Whilst disabled angling is a specific area requiring investment in fixed assets and equipment, there is an additional opportunity to support activities that encourage increased angling by many different groups of society. We propose to set up a working group to consider and report on opportunities, and to propose specific actions for public bodies, proprietors, clubs and businesses. The working group will liaise with existing activities in this area, such as SNAP, Angling for Youth Development ( AFYD) and the Scottish Ladies Committee of SANA

Proposed Lead Body:
JADBOS
Core Participants:
FFFSG; AFYD

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Researchers time allocations
• Group strategy meetings
• Wider meetings
• Publicity

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Autumn 2010

Priority for Action 22
ACCESS AND PROTECTION

Independent informative research on access and protection legislation will be undertaken, as will promotion of evidence of good opportunity and availability. The study should consider the implications for all areas of Scotland, not just those with existing protection orders. This research will provide additional evidence and make recommendations to inform policy makers, when considering any new legislation in the future.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Staff time resource
• Contractor costs
• Working group meetings
• Web publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Spring 2008
Complete: Annual to 2010

Priority for Action 23
ANNUAL REPORTING ON PROGRESS WITH THE STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK

FFFSG will consider how objective measures of our progress towards the shared vision can be collated and publicised. Two approaches will be taken:

• An annual report will be published describing the progress with the Priorities for Action that have been initiated; and
• FFFSG will consider how frequently, and to what degree of detail, it might be necessary to refresh any studies on the economic value of the sector.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government; RAFTS/ ASFB
Core Participants:
FFFSG, DSFBs and Trusts, other Agencies

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Information gathering effort
• FFFSG meetings
• Compilation of reports
• Publication on web

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Summer 2009
Complete: Annual

Priority for Action 24
ASSESSING RESOURCE NEEDS

An expert group will monitor the financial consequences of the evidence emerging from other PFAs being undertaken as part of this Strategic Framework. It will collate this evidence base, and project the likely resource requirements for future all-species fisheries management across the different regions in Scotland. It will also identify and clearly enumerate the benefits to be gained by the implementation of new techniques and management systems.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers time allocations
• Group meetings
• Report preparation
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Autumn 2008
Complete: Autumn 2011

Priority for Action 25
ASSESSING EXISTING RESOURCES

An expert group will conduct a survey of the existing manpower and financial resources being dedicated to freshwater fisheries management and fishing development. This work will include all sectors, including DSFBs, Trusts and Foundations, and Clubs and Associations. It will also consider the work areas in which resource is currently being applied.

Proposed Lead Body:
ASFB/ RAFTS
Core Participants:
FFFSG

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Reviewers time allocations
• Group meetings
• Report preparation
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Autumn 2007
Complete: Autumn 2008

Priority for Action 26
FUNDING SOURCES

An expert group will consider how additional funding, if required, might be raised. All possible solutions should be explored. Once the benefits of additional commitment to fisheries management have been more widely appreciated, solutions for generating additional funding locally might be found, including voluntary angler contributions.

Proposed Lead Body:
FFFSG
Core Participants:
Existing fundraising initiatives

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• FFFSG meetings - specification
• Tender Process
• Contractors cost
• Publication of final report

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Autumn 2009
Complete: Summer 2010

Priority for Action 27
RESEARCH PRIORITISATION PANEL

A permanent subgroup of the Steering Group, with additional co-opted experts, will advise on research needs within the sector. It will undertake a formal research prioritisation exercise on an annual basis, seeking input from the wider representative groups and then honing these down to key priorities. This work should co-ordinate with the FRS Research Programme and others operating in the freshwater environment ( SEPA/ SNH). It will be published, and widely publicised within the research community. It will also be promoted to a wide range of funding bodies, such as the Scottish Government, Research Councils, charitable foundations and industry. Appendix 3 shows current research priorities within the sector.

Proposed Lead Body:
Scottish Government
Core Participants:
FFFSG; Co-opted experts

Resource Implications:

• Secretariat/facilitation services
• Priority gathering effort
• Subgroup meetings
• Compilation of annual priorities
• Publication

Indicative Timetable:
Commence: Summer 2008
Complete: Annual