Clyde Seasonal Closure 2026: consultation analysis and SG response

9. Conclusion and next steps

Conclusion

The consultation demonstrated broad acknowledgement of the need to protect spawning cod, but division over whether the current closure achieves this effectively. Supportive respondents defended continuity as precautionary, neutrals highlighted evidence gaps and policy fatigue, and opponents criticised misalignment and ineffectiveness. Despite differences in sentiment, most respondents called for evolution — not stasis — in management and governance.

The debate has shifted from whether to protect spawning cod to how protection should be targeted, evidenced, and integrated with wider management improvements. Despite differing views, the consultation highlighted recurring themes for policy development: precautionary safeguards, evidence strengthening, addressing mortality drivers, and adaptive, co‑designed governance.

We acknowledge that the current Clyde Seasonal Closure may not align well with cod spawning activity, and has uncertain ecological benefits, as well as causing socioeconomic pressures on small‑scale fishers.

This uncertainty was reflected in our consultation via a divergent range of views for every question, necessitating a wider discussion than our proposals allowed. In response to calls for immediate action to reduce mortality and calls for wider measures beyond the seasonal closure, we conclude that a broad approach is justified. This is why we are limiting fishing activity in the Firth of Clyde and emphasising focussed scientific work.

Though stakeholders are divided on the value of a three‑year TSP and on extending the SSI to 2028, we view this as vital to delivering their desired stronger evidence base and more adaptive, transparent management approach. We note the support for genuine collaboration with local fishers, and calls for an ecosystem‑based approach. We are clear that such an approach would require us to address bycatch across all gear types and consider wider habitat impacts.

Overall, an approach working in partnership with local fishers and scientists to improve data collection and the scientific evidence base, helping inform an adaptive management approach are essential to support Clyde cod recovery while balancing environmental and socioeconomic considerations.

Next steps

The Scottish Government will:

• Lay an SSI in the Scottish Parliament that will retain the seasonal closure without exemptions.
• Restrict access to the Firth of Clyde to vessels with a valid historic fishing track record and those undertaking fishing primarily for scientific research for the duration of the TSP.
• Commence the TSP in February 2026, key priorities to include:
  • Maximising use of available data, including creel bycatch and historical catch records.
  • Monitoring cod bycatch across all fishing sectors.
  • Investigating discard dynamics across all fishing sectors.
  • Conducting spatial surveys to support stock assessment and identify critical habitats throughout the Firth of Clyde.
• Apply adaptive measures informed by the TSP.