Fisheries Management and Conservation Group (FMAC) minutes: June 2025

1. Introductions and update since last meeting

The Chair welcomed attendees, noting that some time had passed since the last meeting and that this was the first meeting under the new structure.

The Chair recapped on the recent FMAC review, confirming that the main FMAC group would now operate under separate meetings for the commercial fishing industry and environmental groups.

The Chair reflected that the first meeting of the environmental group had been held at the end of May.  Reflections from that meeting was that it was a helpful discussion, allowing the focus to be on the main areas of interest to the attendees. Scottish Government officials would ensure that appropriate connection was made between the two groups, and that opportunities to engage would be considered.

ACTION: The Scottish Government will share a redrafted Terms of Reference for comment.

2. Fisheries Management Strategy delivery plan

Scotland's fisheries management strategy 2020 to 2030: delivery plan update 2025 - gov.scot

The Chair provided an update on the updated Fisheries Management Strategy delivery plan which points to the progress since 2020 and explains the prioritisation of certain actions.

The Chair also highlighted the wording within the latest published Programme for Government (PFG) which says “supporting Scotland’s world leading fishing sector to maximise fishing opportunities and modernise, delivering technical and management improvements through the Future Catching Policy and our Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement Programme”.

The Chair provided an update on each of the actions within the Strategy, as detailed within the accompanying slides.

The group had a discussion around accreditation and the work being undertaken on the West Coast to put in place the Community Catch scheme. This will be an important step in recognising the quality of Scottish Nephrops and in improving standards.

3. International fisheries update

Kerrie provided an update on the work on the international fisheries teams. She updated on the work that is being done in relation to the blue ling otoliths project, which aims to examine stock distribution in the Northeast Atlantic. An update on that project was provided at the recent UK/EU Specialised Committee on Fisheries. In addition, Kerrie updated on the work being undertaken to support improved evidence gathering for Rockall cod, and in particular the potential work being undertaken to review current evidence to see if it is possible to move from a Category 6 to category 3.

Kerrie confirmed that the majority of ICES advice for Scottish stocks will be published between June and September. Over the summer, we will develop our strategy and approaches and will engage with stakeholders to help shape our position for the negotiations.

Kerrie confirmed that the team will keep stakeholders updated on all key dates and developments via email, along with meetings as appropriate. Trilateral meetings dates are in the process of being confirmed and will be shared once finalised.

Kerrie acknowledged the shared disappointment at some of the details contained within the outcomes of the UK-EU summit that took place on 19 May. Elspeth noted in particular the lack of scrutiny around the agreement, with Kerrie noting that the SG shared frustration around this.

Kerrie noted that the advice for Northern Shelf cod is looking challenging. Kenny highlighted frustrations that Scotland hadn’t been represented at the recent advice drafting group, and that Scottish representatives from the industry side hadn’t been permitted to speak at that group.

Finally, Kerrie noted the outcome of the UK/EU sandeel dispute. The tribunal issued its final ruling on 2 May, finding no breach of the TCA in relation to the EU’s challenge of the closure in Scottish waters. This is an extremely positive outcome, especially as all claims regarding the Scottish closure were successfully defended. This means the sandeel prohibition of fishing order in Scotland will remain in place.

4.  Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs)

Jane noted apologies from Monika, who is the SG lead on FMPs, and who is currently on leave.

On Monika’s behalf, Jane updated on the progress that has been made with drafting the FMPs, noting the detailed work that has been undertaken with stakeholders, and also the other UK administrations, in order to progress with drafting. The demersal and Nephrops consultation are still planned for September, although this is not a fixed date.

David Anderson noted that there are a number of challenges with the number of consultations being run at the moment, not just in Scotland but also taking account of the consultations being run in England. The Chair confirmed that the Scottish Government tries to engage on a bilateral basis with Defra and the other DAs on any proposed policy changes that may affect Scottish interests, rather than necessarily responding directly to consultations that are published.

ACTION: The Scottish Government to share details of planned Marine consultations over the coming year with the group including, where possible, details of UK consultations/engagements.

Elspeth also raised concerns about the number of consultations taking place, and asked that timings be considered against other SG activity, and also against other key activities such as international negotiations.

Jane confirmed that the FMP team would consider how to incorporate events as part of the consultation process to help stakeholders to manage the volume of information and their input.

ACTION: The Scottish Government to develop a plan for the FMP consultation period, to include stakeholder events.

5. IFMI and inshore

The Chair noted apologies from Jim Watson and welcomed Helen to provide an update on our inshore policies, including the IFMI programme, in his place. IFMI is referenced in the Programme for Government, and is reflective of the wide interest in management of inshore fisheries. The RALRI committee is also taking an interest. Helen emphasised that the Scottish Government is keen to recognise the challenges and issues, but move towards a more agile and regional approach to management. Duncan acknowledged that one size doesn’t fit all, and so a more localised approach can often be useful. He also noted that potential solutions to localised issues had been trialled as part of the inshore pilots, but that the implementation of the outputs from this appear to have stalled.

Helen noted that the Scottish Government is pleased with the response to the call for evidence, with 100 responses received. The outcome report should hopefully be published in June.

Helen also updated on the RIFG review – minor adjustments have been made to the boundaries, although the Chairs still remain in place. The RIFG Chairs have been tasked with supporting the IFMI programme. No major changes will be made ahead of the IFMI programme reaching conclusions.

Helen provided an update on Clyde cod – the report on the 2024 seasonal closure was published in January 2025. Further assessments are taking place, with a planned consultation over the summer, dates to be confirmed.

Finally, Helen provided an update on the inshore interim measures – these were introduced last year and activity has been monitored. New science is available for crab and lobster, which still shows cause for concern.

The meeting broke for lunch, with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands joining stakeholders for an informal discussion.

6. Future Catching Policy (FCP)

Ashleigh provided an overview of the FCP. The focus for this stage is on reducing unwanted catch through improved selectivity, and also on addressing bycatch of other marine species.

Ashleigh ran through a number of slides which provided the outputs from the stakeholder discussions. The stakeholder discussions have produced a lot of good ideas and potential actions to be taken forward to the planned FCP consultation on technical measures.

Ashleigh outlined next steps, with further stakeholder engagement planned, and a draft consultation under development. FCP subgroup meetings will take over the summer. Ministers have been briefed on the outputs of the workshops and will be updated on subgroup discussions, with the aim of holding a consultation around September. Impact assessments are being developed.

Mark updated the group on the positive trials taking place under the Clean Catch project, with a pair team undertaking work on reducing sensitive species. Will be interesting to see the results from this.

David Anderson also updated on the work being undertaken to reduce sensitive species bycatch in the longline fleet under the CIBBRiNNA project.

Duncan highlighted the work being done with cameras in the tanglenet fishery, particularly focussed on crayfish and whitefish.

ACTION: further discussions on FCP to be taken forward in the FCP subgroup.

7. Climate change

Oana provided an update on the climate change work. Progress has been slow due to resources being focused elsewhere, however, we have made some good progress. The intention is to take forward development of an options paper, discuss with FMAC subgroup, and put advice to Ministers. The aim is to develop concrete actions going forward.

The group recognised the importance of the work, however, flagged the busy policy landscape and the fact that resources are stretched, meaning that it can be challenging to properly input into additional work such as this. Oana agreed to take this a way to consider if the work can be staggered to ease these pressures.

A discussion took place on the Blue Carbon Action Plan (BCAP) and how it fits with this work. Oana confirmed that at the moment we are only considering fisheries mitigation and adaptation under the umbrella of a fisheries climate change action plan, however, as the BCAP progresses we will consider if and how the work can be incorporated more effectively.

ACTION: the climate change options paper will be shared with the Climate Change subgroup, and a meeting to discuss will be scheduled.

ACTION: Oana to consider how the climate change work can best be planned to accommodate resourcing pressures.

8. Access update

Malcolm provided an update on various workstreams. Allocation of fish quotas is a key workstream for Malcolm’s team.

Malcolm updated on additional quota (AQ), including the application process for West of Scotland AQ for cod. Decisions have been based on environmental

Criteria – selective fishing gear / lower environmental impact. A good number of applications were received. Malcolm confirmed the intention to take learning away from cod and see if we can expand to other stocks too.

Malcolm provided an update on the razor clam fishery and economic link.

9. Next steps and AOB

Elspeth asked if a conversation on the use of scientific quota could be scheduled.

ACTION: Kerrie to follow up with Elspeth to arrange further discussion on scientific quota.

The Chair confirmed that we intend to hold the next meeting around end October. Subgroups will take place between now and October.

ACTION: Date to be arranged for the next meeting.