Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) - fisheries management measures: Fairer Scotland Duty summary

Summary of assessment findings

There is no evidence to suggest alternative approaches to the policy. Putting in place fisheries management measures for existing MPAs where these are not already in place, in order to achieve the conservation objectives for the protected features, is a statutory requirement for Scottish Ministers. This is essential to support the recovery and resilience of our marine environment, and the industries that rely on it.

The proposed fisheries management measures we are aiming to introduce are underpinned by robust scientific evidence which demonstrates the need for fisheries management in each site.

The Scottish Government have carried out extensive engagement with the fishing industry and coastal communities in recent years to develop fisheries management measures which balance our commitment to environmental protection with sustainable marine use. This approach is intended to help reduce potential inequalities of outcome.