Scotland's future catching policy: strategic environmental assessment report 2026

7. Reasonable Alternatives

The consideration of ‘reasonable alternatives’ is a requirement under section 14(2)(b) of the Environmental Assessment (Scotland) Act 2005.

The Scottish Government have obligations arising from the Fisheries Act 2020 and the supporting commitments in the Joint Fisheries Statement to reduce bycatch by reducing or avoiding unwanted catch to ensure sustainable fisheries management.

A continuation of business as usual, by not implementing selectivity improvements, would result in current technical conservation measures continuing to be enforced, however, this would fall short in proactively seeking improvements to further reducing unwanted catch under the bycatch objective. Not pursuing improvements to selectivity would lose the benefit of enabling the Scottish Government to support delivery of sustainable fisheries for current and future generations.

The selectivity proposals set out are therefore considered to be the most appropriate for this stage of the FCP. Improving selectivity is essential to continue to reduce unwanted catch of fish, and therefore rates of discarding, and other sensitive marine species, supporting the wider conservation efforts of marine species. By adopting improved selective fishing practices, fishers can reduce catch of non-target species to sustain long-term fishing opportunities and food security. Reducing bycatch risk for sensitive marine species will also support population resilience for these species. Enhanced selectivity also supports compliance with regulations like quotas and the landing obligation, ensuring reported catches accurately reflect what is taken from the sea.

A range of environmental issues have been considered during the development of the current proposed selectivity measures to ensure they have minimal negative environmental effects and where applicable maximum positive environmental gain. Stakeholder input, including that from the environmental sector has been considered during the development of the selectivity proposals.

By consulting on the selected selectivity proposals, our view is that these proposed measures will strengthen our ability to reduce waste and increase accountability, by improving the approach taken to reduce unwanted catch by building on and adjusting the technical rules that are in place. Selectivity measures are not static, as innovation occurs we should look to implement best practice underpinned by the best scientific evidence. It is crucial for fisheries managers to continually review and refine existing regulations as this ongoing evaluation helps ensure that the rules remain effective, relevant, and capable of driving meaningful improvements where necessary.

The public will be consulted on the selectivity proposals, alongside the consultation of this SA. These consultations will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to review the selectivity proposals and present alternatives if available.