Clyde Seasonal Closure 2026: consultation analysis and SG response
Analysis of the consultation on the Clyde Seasonal Closure 2026 to 2028 and the Scottish Government response to the consultation.
Consultation
Appendix 1: Coding Framework for Qualitative Analysis
The table below outlines the full coding framework used to analyse free‑text responses. Each subtheme includes a description and cue examples to guide consistent interpretation and ensure analytical transparency.
| Theme | Code | Subtheme | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1. Management measures |
1A |
Closure duration/timing | Adjusting, extending, or refining closure dates, duration and/or timing. |
|
1. Management measures |
1B |
Enforcement/compliance | Improved enforcement, monitoring, or compliance mechanisms. |
|
1. Management measures |
1C |
Spatial boundaries/area | Change or refine the closure area or geographic scope. |
|
1. Management measures |
1D |
Gear restrictions/selectivity | Selective gear, gear restrictions, or gear trials. |
|
1. Management measures |
1E |
Exemptions/derogations | Exemptions for fleets, vessel types, or gear. |
|
1. Management measures |
1F |
Bycatch/other species | Bycatch reduction, other species impacts, juvenile mortality. |
|
2. Socioeconomic impacts |
2A |
Impacts on fishers and communities | Livelihoods, jobs, viability and local community impacts. |
|
2. Socioeconomic impacts |
2B |
Mitigation/compensation | Compensation, financial support, or mitigation measures. |
|
3. Evidence and science |
3A |
Scientific basis/stock status | Evidence, stock status, or science led decisions. |
|
3. Evidence and science |
3B |
Monitoring/research needs | Data collection, surveys, trials, or monitoring (incl. REM/TSP). |
|
3. Evidence and science |
3C |
Disagreement with science | Scepticism that explicitly targets science/evidence/data. |
|
4. Process and engagement |
4A |
Consultation process/transparency | Consultation quality, transparency, legitimacy and process. |
|
4. Process and engagement |
4B |
Stakeholder engagement/co-management | Collaborative management or stakeholder involvement. |
|
4. Process and engagement |
4C |
Communication/education | Clearer communication, guidance, clarity and/or education. |
|
5. Environmental outcomes |
5A |
Conservation/benefits | Conservation benefits, cod recovery, ecosystem health. |
|
5. Environmental outcomes |
5B |
Unintended consequences/displacement | Effort displacement or unintended ecological effects. |
|
Theme 6. Balancing environment & socioeconomics |
6A |
Balance/minimise impacts | Proportionate, balanced measures; minimise socio-economic impacts. |
|
6. Balancing environment & socioeconomics |
6B | Phased/adaptive approach | Phased/adaptive/stepwise approaches based on evidence. |
|
6. Balancing environment & socioeconomics |
6C | Collaboration to balance | Joint approaches that balance both priorities. |
|
7. Other comments |
7 | Comments/answers not related to the question | - |
Contact
Email: inshore@gov.scot