Inshore fisheries and coastal communities
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Wild salmon strategy implementation plan: annual progress report 2024
The second annual progress report under the Scottish wild salmon strategy implementation plan covering progress in 2024.
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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2024
An Official Statistics publication
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Scottish Salmon and Sea Trout Fishery Statistics updated for the 2024 Season
An Official Statistics publication
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Razor clam surveys - Firth of Clyde 2023 and Solway 2024-2025: report
This report describes a surveys carried out in the Firth of Clyde (2023) and Solway (2024 and 2025) to estimate the densities and sizes of razor clam, Ensis siliqua. The surveys were conducted as part of the Scottish Government’s electrofishing scientific trial.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2024
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2024 reporting year.
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Clyde Cod closure 2024: report
Report on the 2024 Clyde Cod Closure, detailing both scientific and compliance work carried out in support of this management measure.
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National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation - easy read
The Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of work done to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2). This is an easy read version. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
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Razor clam surveys - Firth of Clyde and Solway: report
This report describes a survey carried out in the Firth of Clyde (2023) and Solway (2024) to estimate the densities and sizes of razor clam, Ensis siliqua. The surveys were conducted as part of the Scottish Government’s electrofishing scientific trial.
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National Marine Plan 2 - planning position statement: consultation
This Planning Position Statement (PPS) is the culmination of our work to date on the development of Scotland’s National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) and consolidates stakeholder feedback, setting out the latest development of high-level objectives and policy ideas for NMP2. Take part in the consultation: https://consult.gov.scot/marine-scotland/national-marine-plan-2-planning-position-statement/
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024 to 2029.
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Climate change - Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment undertaken for the Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-29.
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Climate change: Scottish National Adaptation Plan 2024-2029
Sets out the actions that the Scottish Government and partners will take to respond to the impacts of climate change. This Adaptation Plan sets out actions from 2024 to 2029.
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Scottish scientific electrofishery for razor clams trial - biological and ecological goals: progress report
Report summarising data and main findings from the trial to date.
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National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report: Consultation Analysis
Analysis of responses to the consultation on the proposed scope and level of detail for the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) of National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2).
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Wild Wrasse Fishery – 2021/22 Report
This report covers the Scottish wild wrasse fishery data collected in 2021 and 2022.
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Emamectin benzoate (EMBZ) - environmental quality standard implementation timescales: consultation analysis
Analysis report of our consultation seeking views on the implementation timescales for the new Environmental Quality Standard (EQS) related to emamectin benzoate (EmBz) which ran from April 2023 until July 2023.
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Fishing - remote electronic monitoring: privacy notice
This privacy note shows how the Scottish Government will handle data collected in relation to remote electronic monitoring used in fishing vessels.
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Scallop fishing - remote electronic monitoring: technical specifications
Technical specifications scallop fishers must meet in order to be compliant with the Remote Electronic Monitoring SSI.
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Scallop fishing - remote electronic monitoring: guidance
This guidance sits alongside the Remote Electronic Monitoring SSI, which came into force for scallop fishers on 17 June 2024.
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£5 million for Scotland's island communities
Funding to tackle rising costs and invest in local infrastructure.
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Island investment
Deputy First Minister welcomes completion of new £49 million Stornoway terminal.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2023
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.
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Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): equality impact assessment not required - draft
This draft equality impact assessment (EQIA) considers potential effects of the Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) and how it impacts on people with one or more protected characteristic.
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Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): business and regulatory impact assessment - draft
The draft business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) of the Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI).
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Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): island communities impact assessment - draft
The draft partial islands communities impact assessment (ICIA) considers the Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) in relation to their impacts on people living in the Islands under Section 8 of the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018.
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Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment not required declaration - draft
Fairer Scotland Duty Assessment screening draft examining potential impacts of the Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI).
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Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM): child rights and wellbeing impact assessment - draft
A draft child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) screening to consider the impacts of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI).
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Facilitating marine nature restoration through legislation: consultation
We are consulting on legislative proposals which would enable Scottish Ministers to introduce a registration process for marine nature restoration projects, and apply Marine Conservation Orders to habitats and species undergoing restoration and standalone European marine sites.
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Scottish Islands Typology: overview 2024
This report outlines the Scottish Islands Typology (2024). It classifies Scotland’s islands into ten categories based on combinations of population, access to local amenities, and access to mainland Scotland. It offers an alternative way to compare the differences and similarities between islands.
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Am Plana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh: Sgrìobhainn Chochomhairleachaidh
This consultation covers the content of the national Good Food Nation Plan. It seeks views on the Outcomes; ways of measuring progress; and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions. This is a Gaelic translation of the consultation.
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Geàrr-iomradh air a' Phlana Nàiseanta airson Dùthaich a tha Math a Thaobh Biadh
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government. This is a Gaelic summary of the Plan.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation - easy read
Easy read version of our consultation on the national Good Food Nation Plan, which sets out the Government's goals for food and how we will achieve them.
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National Good Food Nation Plan
The national Good Food Nation Plan sets out six over-arching Outcomes for a Good Food Nation; the range of targets and indicators that will be used to gauge progress towards achieving them; and details of a wide range of food-related policies and initiatives from across the Scottish Government.
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National Good Food Nation Plan: consultation
We are consulting on the first national Good Food Nation Plan. We are seeking views on the national Good Food Nation Outcomes, ways of measuring progress and how different groups envision life in a Good Food Nation. It also seeks views on specified functions.
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Ro-innleachd airson Saidheans Mara is Ùrghnàthachadh
’S e seo an Ro-innleachd ùr airson Saidheans Mara is Ùr-ghnàthachadh aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba. Tha i a’ cur amasan an cèill airson saidheans mara agus ùr-ghnàthachadh ann an Alba agus a’ stèidheachadh sia builean gus barrachd bhuannachdan fhaighinn bho ar n-obair saidheans, fianais agus dàta.
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Marine science and innovation strategy
Establishes the vision for marine science and innovation in Scotland and six outcomes to strengthen the impact of marine science, evidence and data.
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Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2021
Statistics on the economic contributions of Scotland’s marine sectors in 2021. Includes a time series of Gross Value Added (GVA), turnover and employment for marine sectors. The supporting documents include: additional tables in an excel file and a pdf version of the publication
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Report on razor clam surveys on Tarbert Bank
This report describes a survey carried out on Tarbert Bank in 2023 to estimate the densities and sizes of razor clams, Ensis siliqua and Ensis magnus. The survey was conducted as part of the Scottish Government’s electrofishing scientific trial.
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Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) consultation: Scottish Government response
Our response to the public consultation on the proposal to designate 10% of Scottish seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) by 2026.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs): consultation analysis - final report
Analysis report on the responses to the consultation on Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) which ran from 12 December 2022 to 17 April 2023.
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Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2022
A National Statistics publication that provides detailed information on the tonnage and value of landings, fishing vessel characteristics and employment. Detailed supplementary excel tables and a pdf version of the publication are available in supporting documents.
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Outer Hebrides creel limitation pilot: research and evaluation
Presents the findings of the survey made into the operational implications and socio-economic impacts of the Outer Hebrides Creel Limitation Pilot on fishers.
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Improving inshore fisheries data: Consultation on requiring electronic tracking and monitoring technology on under 12 metre commercial fishing vessels
We are seeking views on using electronic tracking and monitoring technologies on under 12 metre commercial fishing vessels in Scottish waters (and Scottish vessels wherever they operate).
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Sea fisheries - future catching policy: consultation analysis
Analysis of public consultation on Future Catching Policy (FCP).
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Financial support for islanders
Fresh funding to ease cost of living impact on communities and businesses.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment for the vision for sustainable aquaculture.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture
The Vision for sustainable aquaculture describes the Scottish Government’s long-term aspirations to 2045 for the finfish, shellfish and seaweed farming sectors, and the wider aquaculture supply chain.
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Vision for sustainable aquaculture: child rights and wellbeing screening sheet
Child rights and wellbeing screening sheet for the Vision for sustainable aquaculture
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Electrofishing for razor clams trial: update - February 2021 to January 2022
A progress update report on the electrofishing for razor clams scientific trial from 1 February 2021 to 31 January 2022.
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National Islands Plan review: consultation
We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.
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National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023
Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.
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Clyde cod spawning closure Spring 2024/25: consultation
Since 2001, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April in order to protect spawning cod. This consultation is seeking views on the continuation of this closure for 2024 and 2025.
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Clyde cod spawning closure: business and regulatory impact assessment - partial
This partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) sits alongside the consultation document on the Clyde cod spawning closure for 2024/25. The BRIA will be finalised after the consultation period, allowing information collected during the consultation to feed into the assessment.
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National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.
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Crab and lobster fisheries - stock assessments: results 2016 to 2019
Results of Scottish regional brown crab (Cancer pagurus), velvet crab (Necora puber) and lobster (Homarus gammarus) stock assessments carried out by Marine Scotland Science (MSS) for the period 2016 to 2019.
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Priority marine feature surveys within the Small Isles MPA and surrounding waters
Marine Scotland collected and analysed abundance information for species with conservation importance relevant to priority marine features in the Small Isles MPA and the surrounding region (2012 – 2017). Abundance changes for key species and the relationship with fishing activity was assessed.
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Scotland's Blue Economy: current status review
Describes our starting position in the transition to adopting a Blue Economy approach to marine sectors, communities, and the environment. It provides us with the foundation to consider how we can track our progress and determine if significant and lasting change is occurring.
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Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers
The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: strategic environmental asessment
This initial strategic environmental report assesses the environmental impacts of the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) policy.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: socio-economic impact assessment – methodology
This initial socio-economic impact assessment (SEIA) identifies and assesses potential economic and social effects of HPMAs and proposes a methodology for carrying out the site specific SEIAs.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: consultation
This consultation paper sets out the background, process, and rationale for Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA), as well as containing the consultation questions.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: policy framework
Sets out our proposed definition and aims of Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) and what this could mean for different activities taking place in Scottish waters. Also describes how we will account for socio-economic factors alongside ecological considerations and proposed new legal powers.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas: stakeholder engagement plan
This stakeholder engagement plan outlines how stakeholders can engage with the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) process and provide their input and views.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: sustainability appraisal
Drafted by marine consultants ABPmer, the sustainability appraisal provides assessment of any cumulative impacts of the Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) policy and is based upon the draft policy framework and site selection guidelines.
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Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) - site selection: draft guidelines
Guidelines describing the proposed process for identifying and selecting Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) in Scottish waters. These were drafted by our statutory nature conservation advisors, NatureScot and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC).
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Highly Protected Marine Areas - policy framework and site selection guidelines: partial BRIA
The partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) presents an initial assessment of the potential costs, benefits and risks of introducing HPMAs and their potential impacts on public, private or third sectors.
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Delivering Scotland's Blue Economy approach
Sets out the first phase of delivery towards our Blue Economy Vision (published March 2022). It provides a clear picture of where we are now in relation to the six Blue Economy outcomes and sets out our next steps in delivering a collaborative approach in Scotland.
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Scenario mapping for offshore renewable energy development economic benefits: case studies
Report to identify, measure and value the delivered and potential economic impact for Scotland from offshore wind and tidal energy projects.
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National marine plan 2: engagement strategy
Stakeholder engagement strategy and statement of public participation for Scotland's national marine plan 2.
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Seafood strategy: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment
Child Rights and Wellbeing Impact Assessment Screening for the Strategy for Seafood
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Seafood strategy: equality impact assessment
Equalities impact assessment (EQIA) for the strategy for seafood.
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Seafood strategy: island communities impact assessment
Island communities impact assessment (ICIA) for the strategy for seafood.
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Seafood strategy
Affirms the importance of the seafood sector and sets out how we are supporting industry to contribute to achieving our blue economy aspirations.
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Fishing practices adapted in commercial fisheries: review
Comprehensive literature review on the specific interventions taken in Scotland, the UK and EU to reduce the climate related impacts of the marine wild capture fisheries sector complemented with a series of stakeholder interviews on direct experiences and challenges.
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Fish and fisheries research to inform ScotMER evidence gaps and future strategic research in the UK: review
This study undertook a literature review and consultation with key stakeholders to establish current knowledge for evidence gaps identified in the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries evidence map. This report includes research recommendations to help fill remaining strategic priority gaps.
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Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance
This project developed ‘Good Practice Guidance for Assessing Fisheries Displacement’ through a detailed literature review and consultation with the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries Receptor Group (FFSRG), commercial fisheries industry, offshore energy and regulatory sectors.
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Assessing fisheries displacement by other licensed marine activities: good practice guidance - literature review
This project developed ‘Good Practice Guidance for Assessing Fisheries Displacement’ through a detailed literature review and consultation with the ScotMER Fish and Fisheries Receptor Group (FFSRG), commercial fisheries industry, offshore energy and regulatory sectors.
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Biodiversity strategy: consultation
Biodiversity is vital for us all and it is in crisis, globally and in Scotland, so we need to change the way we use natural resources. We are seeking views on how we should tackle the biodiversity crisis through a new biodiversity strategy which will drive this transformation.
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Funding to support salmon recovery
Projects aim to bring salmon population back from crisis point.
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Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Pilot: year one report
The OHIFP is a stakeholder-led project developed collaboratively by the fishing industry, the scientific community and Scottish Government to test approaches to fisheries management within a significant area of sea to the east of the Outer Hebrides. This report summaries the first years findings.
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A Blue Economy Vision for Scotland
Sets out our long-term ambition for Scotland’s blue economy to 2045. It demonstrates how much we value our marine environment and its significance. This is captured in six outcomes sitting across a range of environmental, social and economic ambitions.
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Marine proposed Special Protection Areas strategic environmental assessment: post adoption statement
A strategic environmental assessment post adoption statement setting out how the assessment and consultation responses have been taken into account in the introduction of Special Protection Areas.
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National Islands Plan: annual report 2021
The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan.
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Scotland's Marine Economic Statistics 2019
Statistics on the economic contributions of Scotland’s marine sectors in 2019. Includes a time series of Gross Value Added (GVA), turnover and employment for marine sectors. The supporting documents include: accessible tables, a summary topic sheet and a pdf version of the publication.
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Fisheries - future catching policy: consultation
Scotland’s future catching policy (FCP) is a key component of our fisheries management strategy. It will develop new rules, in cooperation with stakeholders, to regulate activity at sea in order to support the increased accountability and sustainability of Scottish fisheries.
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Marine resources - remote electronic monitoring (REM): business and regulatory impact assessment
A partial business and regulatory Impact assessment (BRIA) on remote electronic monitoring (REM).
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Marine resources - ensuring long term sustainability: remote electronic monitoring (REM) consultation
Remote electronic monitoring (REM) is a component of our Future Fisheries Management Strategy (FFM). This policy explores the installation of cameras, GPS and sensors on board vessels to monitor fishing activity.
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Potential scale of Scottish seaweed-based industries: research paper
This report provides an assessment of the current status and future growth opportunities for Scottish seaweed-based industries. It includes a scenario analysis that explores the key areas of growth for the seaweed sector and the wider economic and social impacts of possible growth scenarios.
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Clyde cod spawning closures
Areas of the Firth of Clyde closed for all fishing between 14 February and 30 April in 2022 and 2023, to protect cod during their spawning season.
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Proposal to designate Red Rocks and Longay as a Marine Protected Area: consultation
An overview of the consultation to designate a new Marine Protected Area within the Inner Sound of Skye, including short summaries of the available documentation. The MPA will protect flapper skate and their eggs as well as the geodiversity feature, Quaternary of Scotland.
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Supporting impact - Scottish Crown Estate net revenue: local authority use and insights
Net Revenues from the Scottish Crown Estate have been distributed to coastal Local Authorities for the benefit of coastal communities since 2019. This study was commissioned as part of the review process for the first two rounds of distribution of Scottish Crown Estate net revenues.
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Scottish Nephrops Working Group Report: Scottish Government response
Our response to the recommendations in the Scottish Nephrops Working Group report of September 2021.
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New funding to boost innovative seaweed business
Funding of £600,000 further supports the sustainable development of Scotland’s Blue Economy.
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Clyde cod spawning closure 2022-2023: consultation
Since 2001, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April, in order to protect spawning cod. This consultation is seeking views on continuing this closure for 2022 and 2023.
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Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2020
National Statistics publication that provides data on the tonnage and value of all landings of sea fish and shellfish by Scottish vessels, all landings into Scotland, the rest of the UK and abroad, and the size and structure of the Scottish fishing fleet and employment on Scottish vessels.
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Licence conditions applying to the derogation enabling the harvesting of wild wrasse
About the licensing conditions.
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Inshore Fisheries Wild Wrasse Harvesting Privacy Notice
Inshore Fisheries wild wrasse harvesting privacy notice
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Support for seafood exporters
New posts to help businesses navigate EU Exit processes.
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The future of Scotland’s fisheries
New strategy to promote sustainability.
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Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Pilot area
Information for owners and Masters of licenced fishing vessels on the Outer Hebrides Inshore Fisheries Pilot area.
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Creel marking: guidance
Information and guidance on marking fishing creels deployed within 12 nautical miles of Scottish baselines.
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Additional quota for inshore fishing
Up to £2 million of potential new opportunities to help fleet.
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Support for Scottish seafood industry worth £22.5 million
More than 1,000 businesses now eligible for help.
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Management of fish quotas
New arrangement for trial period.
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Inshore Fisheries Pilot Programme: Inner Sound of Skye outcome report
An analysis and overview of consultation responses to proposed inshore fisheries pilot for the Inner Sound of Skye.
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Support for inshore fisheries
Electronic monitoring among range of actions.
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Nephrops fleet - optimisation modelling: policy brief
Economic research providing a valuable addition to the evidence base of Scotland’s Nephrops fishery to help inform discussions on the future of fisheries management.