West Coast of Scotland Nephrops: proposed Fisheries Management Plan

Glossary

CO ₂ e - Carbon Dioxide equivalent

A metric measure used to compare the emissions from various greenhouse gases based upon their global warming potential.

ICES - The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea

A global organization that develops science and advice to support the sustainable use of the oceans.

MSY - Maximum Sustainable Yield

The highest possible annual catch that can be sustained over time by keeping the stock at the level producing maximum growth.

MSY refers to a hypothetical equilibrium between the exploited population and fishing activity.

When discussing MSY, it is essential to distinguish between MSY, BMSY, and FMSY.

MSY Btrigger

A parameter in the ICES MSY framework that triggers advice on reduced fishing mortality relative to FMSY.

Benthic Impact

The negative effect of human activities—such as bottom trawling, deep-sea mining, or pollution—on the seafloor and its organisms, disrupting habitats, food webs, and essential ecosystem services like water quality and carbon sequestration.

Blue carbon

In Scotland, blue carbon refers to carbon captured, sequestered, and stored by marine and coastal ecosystems, especially in seafloor sediments and habitats like saltmarshes, seagrasses, and kelp beds.

Bycatch

Unwanted fish and other marine creatures trapped by commercial fishing nets when targeting a different species.

FMSY — Fishing Mortality Maximum Sustainable Yield

A catch rate calculated by dividing MSY (annual catch) by BMSY (population size).

When the population is at BMSY and annual catches equal MSY, the resulting fishing mortality is FMSY.

Coastal State

Under UNCLOS, a Coastal State must jointly manage fisheries resources, set allowable catches, and grant access to others only if it cannot harvest the full allowable catch itself.

A Coastal State controls its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) out to 200 nautical miles. Access can be traded annually, often linked to quota-sharing arrangements.

Fisheries Act 2020

The Act requires the UK’s four fisheries policy authorities (MMO, Scottish Ministers, Welsh Ministers, and DAERA in Northern Ireland) to produce a Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS), outlining how the Act’s objectives will be met.

Fisheries Policy Authorities

The Secretary of State, Scottish Ministers, Welsh Ministers, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.

Fishing quotas

Amounts of each fish species that may be legally landed by EU Member States.

In Scotland, quota management aims to fully use annual fishing opportunities while ensuring quotas are not exceeded.

FMP - Fisheries Management Plan

A document under the Fisheries Act 2020 setting out policies to restore or maintain fish stocks at sustainable levels.

GES - Good Environmental Status

A condition where marine waters are ecologically diverse, clean, healthy, and productive, ensuring sustainable use that protects opportunities for current and future generations.

Inshore waters

Scotland’s inshore waters extend to 12 nautical miles; most fishing occurs within 6 nm. Anything beyond 12 nm is “offshore”.

Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS)

A document that details how the fisheries policy authorities will meet the eight objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020. It forms part of the UK Fisheries Management and Support Framework and sets the UK’s ambition for world‑class, sustainable fisheries management.

MPAs - Marine Protected Areas

Areas designated to protect vulnerable marine species and habitats. Scotland’s MPA network covers about 20% of its seas.

Marine Strategy Regulations 2010

These require the UK to take necessary measures to achieve or maintain Good Environmental Status through a UK Marine Strategy.

Nephrops

Nephrops norvegicus (Norway lobster, langoustine, scampi, Dublin Bay prawn), a pale orange burrowing crustacean growing up to 25 cm, typically 18–20 cm.

OSPAR - Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic

The mechanism by which 15 Governments and the EU cooperate to protect the North-East Atlantic’s marine environment.

PMFs - Priority Marine Features

Habitats and species considered conservation priorities in Scottish waters.

REM - Remote Electronic Monitoring

Cameras and sensors used to monitor fishing activity, collect data, and support compliance and best practice.

SSFI - Scottish Sustainable Fishing Index

Summarises current trends in fishing mortality relative to estimated sustainable rates that lead to MSY.

TACs - Total Allowable Catches

Catch limits (in tonnes or numbers) set for most commercial fish stocks. The European Commission prepares proposals based on scientific advice from ICES and STECF.