Fishing - Clyde Seasonal Closure: consultation
This consultation invites the views of stakeholders on the future of the Clyde Seasonal Closure beyond 2026. It aims to gather input on supporting the recovery of spawning cod populations in the Clyde and how this can contribute to the broader regeneration of stocks.
Closed
This consultation closed 25 September 2025.
View this consultation on consult.gov.scot, including responses once published.
Consultation analysis
Clyde Seasonal Closure
Since 2001 the Scottish Government and the fishing industry have worked to protect spawning cod in the Firth of Clyde via a closure between 14 February and 30 April each year.
The Scottish Government are mindful of the challenges arising from management of this fishery and the need to balance environmental protections with the socio-economic wellbeing of Scottish fishing businesses and the communities that rely on them. We wish to explore stakeholders’ views on the current approach and how we might improve management measures and the evidence base.
This consultation seeks your views on the Clyde Seasonal Closure from 2026. Alongside the consultation we have also published a partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (BRIA). This will be finalised following the end of the consultation period, allowing information collected to feed into the assessment.
All respondents should be aware of the guidance in Annex B and complete the Respondent Information Form (RIF) in Annex C. Please note that this consultation will close at midnight on 25th September 2025.
We look forward to hearing your views.
Contact
Email: inshore@gov.scot