Proposed West Coast of Scotland Nephrops and North Sea Nephrops: Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) - consultation

Implementation and review

Once published, the actions and policies within the FMPs will need to be implemented. This will be an iterative process, and the Scottish Government will be working closely with the other relevant authorities, the fishing sector and wider stakeholders to develop implementation plans.

Publishing the FMPs is the start of a multi-year cycle, and we will ensure that they strike the balance between building momentum for short-term actions and setting direction for the longer term. This can be further iterated as the evidence base is improved.

FMPs must be reviewed at least every six years. This formal review will assess how the FMP has performed in terms of meeting the objectives of the Act. An earlier review may take place if relevant evidence, international obligations, or wider events require a change in the policies set out in the FMPs. The decision to review earlier will be taken by the fisheries policy authorities.

The effectiveness of the FMPs will be regularly assessed, and the results reported at least every three years as part of the JFS report, as required by the Act.

Cross regulator, government and industry groups have been central to the development of the draft FMPs. Stakeholder involvement and ongoing collaboration underpins successful delivery of the FMPs and will continue beyond their publication.