Clyde Seasonal Closure 2026 - no islands communuties impact assessment needed declaration

Step Two - Gather your data and identify your stakeholders

What data is available about the current situation in the islands?

Available data indicates that very few fishers operating in the Clyde area are based in island communities. The majority of the 49^[3] affected vessels (as of 2024) are registered to mainland ports, with limited representation from island districts.

Who are your key Stakeholders?

There are several key stakeholder groups in operation along with a range of other interest groups including environmental, academic and community groups with an interest in fisheries and environmental outcomes.

Of these, key stakeholders include:

• Inshore fishers and representative organisations operating in the Clyde:
  • Southwest RIFG
  • Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation (SFO)
  • Clyde Fishermen’s Association (CFA)
  • Scottish Creel Fishermen’s federation (SCFF)
• Environmental and conservation NGOs:
  • Fish legal
  • Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust (SIFT)
• Higher education and research institutions

The stakeholders identified are regularly engaged and provide strategic input to fisheries policy through co-management structures such as FMAC and RIFGs.

How does any existing data differ between islands?

Available data does not indicate any significant differences between island communities in relation to the Clyde cod seasonal closure. Very few vessels operating in the closure area are registered to island districts, and those that are, tend to have similar operational profiles and gear types to their mainland counterparts. No evidence has emerged to suggest that island communities have different expectations, needs, or experiences in relation to cod management measures.

Where island-based vessels do exist, they are not expected to experience different impacts from the closure compared to mainland vessels. Additionally, no evidence has emerged to suggest that island communities have different expectations, needs, or experiences in relation to cod management measures. The proposed closure is expected to affect all vessels operating in the designated area equally, regardless of home or operating port. This is supported by the findings of the Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA), which concluded that the proposed measures are unlikely to result in disproportionate economic or regulatory impacts for any particular segment of the inshore fleet. The BRIA also notes the long-term benefits of the proposed management measures are expected to accrue across the fleet as a whole, enhancing viability for both island and mainland operators.

Importantly, the proposed management measure is designed not only to protect spawning cod but also to support the long-term resilience and viability of the fishing industry. By promoting stock recovery and embedding an adaptive management approach through the Targeted Scientific Programme (TSP), the policy aims to create better conditions for future fishing activity and decision-making.

No island‑specific concerns were identified through the consultation. Analysis of all 44 responses — including individuals, fishing organisations, conservation groups, community bodies and scientific respondents — confirmed that no submissions raised issues unique to island communities or indicated differentiated impacts for island‑based vessels. The consultation analysis report and Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA) (January 2025) similarly found no evidence of distinct expectations, needs, or experiences among island respondents, and no barriers to participation were identified.

Are there any existing design features or mitigations in place?

Yes. Design features and mitigations include:

• Seasonal timing aligned with cod spawning periods
• Spatial boundaries based on scientific advice
• Technical controls for specific gear types
• Integration with the Targeted Scientific Programme (TSP) to ensure evidence-based refinement of measures over time