Sea fisheries
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Razor clam trial: annual report 2023-2024
A progress update report on the electrofishing for razor clams scientific trial from 1 February 2023 to 31 January 2024.
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Scotland's fisheries management strategy 2020 to 2030: delivery plan update 2025
The 2025 update to Scotland's fisheries management strategy delivery plan shows the progress with delivering key aspects of the Strategy since 2020.
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Pelagic fishing - remote electronic monitoring: guidance
This guidance sits alongside the Remote Electronic Monitoring SSI, which will come into force for pelagic fishers on 7 March 2026.
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Pelagic fishing - remote electronic monitoring: technical specifications
Technical specifications pelagic fishers must meet in order to be compliant with the Remote Electronic Monitoring SSI.
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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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Marine Protected Area network: 2024 report to the Scottish Parliament
A report to the Scottish Parliament on progress being made in implementing Scotland's Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.
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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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Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI): call for evidence
Outlines the context and questions asked in our call for evidence for our Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI) Programme, published in November 2024.
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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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Fishing: Scottish quota management rules 2024
Rules which document the distribution of fishing quota to Scottish vessels and the management of Scottish vessel interests.
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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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Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2023
An Official Statistics Publication
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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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Fishing quota - additional allocation from 2024: island communities impact assessment
Impact assessment for the allocation of Additional Quota in relation to island communities.
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Fishing quota - additional allocation from 2024: consultation - business and regulatory impact assessment
Business and regulatory impact assessment to assess the impacts associated with the allocation of additional quota.
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Fishing quota - additional allocation from 2024: consultation outcome
Scottish Government analysis, response and outcome to the consultation on the allocation of additional quota (2024). This outcome will be applied to the issue of fishing quota allocations in 2024.
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Aithris Bhliadhnail air Plana Nàiseanta nan Eilean 2023
Gaelic version of the National Islands Plan annual report 2023
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Sandeel fishing - closure proposals: strategic environmental assessment - post adoption statement
Post adoption statement setting out for the findings of the strategic environmental assessment (SEA) and consultation responses informed The Sandeel (Prohibition Of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024 as adopted.
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Sandeel Fishing Consultation: Data Protection Impact Assessment
The data protection impact assessment for the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters, laying out how respondents data will be handled.
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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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The Sandeel (Prohibition of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024: island communities impact assessment
The Island Communities Impact Assessment for proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
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Sandeel fishing - proposed closure - consultation analysis: Scottish Government response
Our response to the public consultation on the proposal to to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
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Sandeel fishing - proposed closure: consultation analysis
Analysis report on the responses to the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters. The public consultation ran from 21 July 2023 to 13 October 2023.
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The Sandeel (Prohibition Of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024: business and regulatory impact assessment - final
The final business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) of the proposal to to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
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The Environment Strategy for Scotland: Delivering the Environment Strategy Outcome on Scotland's Economy - Evidence Base & Policy Levers
This report presents evidence and initial recommendations on how the Scottish Government could use the available policy levers to support the transformations in Scotland’s economy needed to help tackle the climate and nature emergencies.
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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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European Union and the United Kingdom - fisheries consultations: written record 2024
Written record of fisheries consultations between the United Kingdom and the European Union for 2024.
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Building a New Scotland: Our marine sector in an independent Scotland
This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for the marine sector in an independent Scotland.
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Building a New Scotland: Our marine sector in an independent Scotland - easy read version
Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for the marine sector in an independent Scotland.
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How much do people in Scotland value characteristics of marine and coastal areas
This report summarises the results of a choice experiment survey that was designed to capture the preferences of Scottish people towards the management of marine and coastal areas in Scotland.
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Fishing quotas - Scottish additional quota allocation from 2024: consultation
A consultation on how Scottish additional quota fishing opportunities is allocated from 2024.
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2024 Scottish Additional Quota Consultation Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment
Partial business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) for the consultation on distribution of additional quota fishing opportunities.
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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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SG Response to Consultation: Marine Resources – Ensuring Long Term Sustainability: Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
Scottish Government response to public consultation on Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM)
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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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Future Catching Policy: Scottish Government response to consultation analysis report
Scottish Government response to public consultation on Future Catching Policy (FCP)
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Sea fisheries - future catching policy: consultation analysis
Analysis of public consultation on Future Catching Policy (FCP).
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Marine resources – remote electronic monitoring: consultation analysis
Analysis of public consultation on remote electronic monitoring (REM) as part of ensuring the long term sustainability of marine resources.
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Sandeel fishing consultation: review of scientific evidence
The review of scientific evidence that has been used to inform the development of proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
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Sandeel fishing: consultation
We are consulting on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters. This paper explains the background of the consultation, options considered, and outlining the questions for respondents.
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Sandeel fishing consultation: draft partial business and regulatory impact assessment
The draft partial business and regulatory impact assessment for the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
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Sandeel fishing consultation: strategic environmental assessment - draft environmental report
The draft environmental report produced from the strategic environmental assessment on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.
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Sandeel fishing consultation: data protection impact assessment
The data protection impact assessment for the consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters, laying out how respondents data will be handled.
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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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Herring in the Firth of Clyde 2023 - total allowable catch: consultation outcome report
Summary and analysis of the responses received to the consultation on setting the 2023 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for herring in the Firth of Clyde, and description of the outcome of the consultation.
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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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Developing essential fish habitat maps: report
The project helped define areas of the sea essential to fish for spawning, breeding, feeding, or growth to maturity. Twenty-nine species and multiple life-stages were reviewed covering marine fish and shellfish of commercial and ecological importance, relevant to offshore wind development areas.
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Herring in the Firth of Clyde - total allowable catch 2023: consultation
Consultation relating to the 2023 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for herring in the Firth of Clyde. Marine Scotland is carrying out this consultation on behalf of the UK Fisheries Administrations, to seek views on setting the level of the 2023 TAC, to permit the allocation of Clyde herring quota.
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United Kingdom and Faroe Islands fisheries consultations: agreed record for 2023
Agreed record of fisheries consultations between the United Kingdom and the Faroe Islands for 2023.
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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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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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Norway-UK negotiations conclude
Increased monkfish quota important for Scotland’s fishers
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Supporting the seafood sector and supply chain
Strategy for Seafood published.
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Fishing vessels - economic link: business and regulatory impact assessment
A business and regulatory impact assessment (BRIA) of changes to Scottish economic link conditions contained in Scottish fishing vessels.
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World leading fisheries proposals
Striving to make fishing sustainable for future generations
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Agreed Records on blue whiting, Atlanto-Scandian herring and mackerel
Delegations from the United Kingdom, Norway, the European Union, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, the Russian Federation, and Greenland met between 19 October and 25 November to consult on the management of the blue whiting, Atlanto-Scandian herring, and mackerel stocks in the North-East Atlantic in 2021.
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Future of fisheries management in Scotland: national discussion paper
Seeks to start an in-depth nationwide discussion with stakeholders to help inform and develop Scotland’s Future Fisheries Management Strategy.
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Scotland's marine economic statistics 2016
The publication presents economic statistics for industrial categories defined as part of the marine sector.