Proposed Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF) Management Areas - Island Communities Impact Assessment (ICIA)

6. Step six – Making adjustments

6.1 Future steps

Different island and coastal communities rely on inshore fisheries to varying degrees, reflecting differences in fishing activity, fleet composition and local economic dependence on inshore waters. In addition, the effects of individual inshore fisheries management measures may differ between areas, for example depending on the types of gear used, the species targeted, or the spatial extent of management measures. As a result, both the impacts of these measures and the effectiveness of any associated mitigation may vary between communities.

We will continue to assess whether inshore fisheries management measures may affect island and coastal communities differently, and will engage with these communities as necessary to ensure that impacts are understood and appropriately considered.

Once a draft outline plan is developed further engagement with the fishing industry, including island stakeholders, will take place to test the proposals, understand levels of support, and refine the measures as necessary. This continued engagement will help ensure that mitigation is proportionate, responsive to local and island‑specific circumstances, and focused on delivering the greatest benefit where impacts are expected to be most significant.

The Scottish Government will update this ICIA with any agreed mitigations or any further information as required following the public consultation and a Ministerial decision on the measures.

Screening ICIA completed by:

Position: Inshore MPA Team Lead

Signature: Jo Holbrook

Date completed: 12/06/2026

ICIA approved by:

Position: Deputy Director Marine Environment

Signature: John Mouat

Date approved: 16/06/2026