Clyde Seasonal Closure 2026 - business regulatory impact assessment

Next steps and implementation

Enforcement / compliance

Enforcement would be undertaken predominantly by Marine Directorate Compliance, operating under Scottish legislation. If the measures are found to have been contravened, a fine not exceeding £50,000 may be levied on summary conviction and an unlimited fine on indictment. The court can also order the forfeiture of any fish in respect of which the offence was committed and of any net or gear used in the commission of the offence. On summary conviction, if the court does not order the forfeiture of fish, it may impose an additional fine not exceeding the value of the fish.

The Marine Directorate is responsible for monitoring levels of fishing activity and the effect of particular fishing methods on stocks in Scottish waters, within the framework of a strategic work programme determined by the Scottish Government. It will be possible to review the effect of these measures by assessing landings data from before and after their introduction.

Since introducing the changes to the closure from 2023, Marine Directorate Compliance have undertaken increased monitoring of the closure.

Recommendations / preferred options

The intent of the 2025 consultation was to offer our stakeholders a range of options, as well the ability to suggest alternative or complimentary approaches for our consideration. Given our intent to enable recovery of this stock while balancing our socio-economic obligations we recommend progressing Option Two which acknowledges (but does not worsen) impacts on the fishing industry, and engages them in improving the evidence base; and that controls access to the Firth of Clyde thereby preventing future increases in fishing mortality.

Implementation considerations

Implementation planning is subject to the consultation and Ministerial agreement and determined in due course.

Post-implementation review

Additional work required by the TSP from February 2026, monitoring and compliance work carried out in support of the seasonal closure, as well as access restrictions to the Firth of Clyde will continue to be kept under review by the Marine Directorate and reviewed annually.