Draft Inshore Marine Protected Areas Fisheries Assessment Methodology Report
This report outlines the approach taken to conduct the fisheries assessments. This includes what evidence was used and how that was collected and also provides definitions and methods used.
The scope of the draft Fisheries Assessments
The draft Fisheries Assessments consider the effects of relevant fishing activities on the qualifying or protected features within each site.
The relevant fishing activities include those commercial fishing gears that currently operate (based on the available data within the timeframe of the assessments) within the sites below mean low water springs. Therefore, certain methods of fishing or harvesting, such as intertidal harvesting and recreational fishing, were not included in these assessments.
These activities are considered and assessed, with management options set out where appropriate.
As outlined above, the draft Fisheries Assessments also identify options for management measures in relation to fishing activities which are not currently occurring within the sites at levels of concern, but which could nevertheless pose a risk to protected features and conservation objectives, where it is considered appropriate to do so in the circumstances.
Contact
Email: marine_biodiversity@gov.scot