Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment on Pelagic Fisheries Management Plans

Section 2: Engagement and information gathering

Engagement approach

The five pelagic FMPs have been informed by a range of stakeholder engagement initiatives. A working group of over 50 industry, environmental and Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (SNCBs) stakeholders was formed in 2023, and met multiple times to help inform the overall shape and contents of Scottish-led FMPs. On pelagic FMPs specifically discussion 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 pelagic FMPs and gathered comments from stakeholders at workshops held in March 2026. Stakeholder knowledge has been valuable in providing context for the FMPs, and in developing meaningful actions that will support the sustainable management of these stocks in the future.

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

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 on the general approach for developing the 21 FMPs.

Business / Third Sector engagement

The Scottish Government, on behalf of the fisheries policy authorities, delivered two pre-consultation events on 25 March 2026 with industry, eNGO and community groups. Feedback from these events was used to refine draft content and to develop the policies presented in these plans. Initial pre-consultation work was undertaken by the Scottish Government via a working group formed of industry, environmental stakeholders and SNCBs which helped 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 pelagic 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.