Demersal Fisheries Management Plans: business and regulatory impact assessment

Section 2: Engagement and information gathering

Engagement approach

Demersal FMPs have been informed by a range of stakeholder engagement initiatives. A working group of over 50 industry, environmental and SNCBs stakeholders was formed in 2023, and met multiple times to help inform and shape the content of the FMPs. In addition, separate bilateral meetings took place over a number of months to gather additional views and input. This was part of a process known as ‘pre-consultation’. As part of the process, the Scottish Government shared drafts of some of the demersal FMPs and gathered comments from stakeholders at two workshops held in February 2025 and by inviting written feedback. Stakeholder knowledge has been valuable in providing context for the FMPs, and in developing meaningful actions that will support the sustainable management of demersal fisheries in the future.

Feedback received as part of formal public consultation will help shape the final document.

Internal SG engagement/ engagement with wider Public Sector

Internal SG engagement

Consultation has been undertaken with officials within the Marine Directorate of the Scottish Government, including policy, compliance and science experts and marine analysts/economists.

UK/ Devolved Administrations

Within the UK we have also engaged with DEFRA, the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), the Welsh Government and Northern Ireland Executive on all FMPs relevant to them.

International

In an international context we have engaged with the EU to allow to them to provide feedback on demersal FMPs.

Business / Third Sector engagement

A working group of over 50 industry, environmental and SNCBs stakeholders was formed in 2023, and met multiple times to help inform and shape the content of the FMPs. In addition, separate bilateral meetings took place over a number of months to gather additional views and input.

Public consultation

This partial BRIA has been produced to support public consultation on the Demersal FMPs. The purpose of the consultation is to seek views from those with an interest in the plans. The consultation also seeks feedback on the evidence presented in the plans and provides an opportunity for respondents to provide additional evidence that may support the FMP policies.