UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy: Fairer Scotland Duty - assessment not required declaration

Fairer Scotland Duty - Assessment not required declaration

Title of policy, strategy or programme

UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy

Directorate: Marine Directorate

Division: Marine Environment

Team: Marine Species

Rationale for decision

Referring to the Fairer Scotland Duty Guidance for Public Bodies ‘Inequalities of Outcome’, the UK Cetacean Conservation Strategy (UK CCS) document will not effect individuals or groups on the basis of the criteria outlined (Connectivity, Income, Employment, Health etc). The stated objective of the Strategy is to ensure the conservation and protection of cetaceans in UK waters. The Strategy document sets out six high-level recommendations where action could be taken to address threats and pressures acting on the species it encompasses. These recommendations take account of the main pressures facing cetacean populations, their vulnerability to these pressures, and action already underway across the UK by governments, public bodies, and stakeholders. Included within these recommendations is a framework to support delivery of action and research, raise awareness of cultural and economic importance of cetaceans and to collaborate with international partners to share knowledge and manage threats and pressures acting on cetacean species.

The Scottish Government, on behalf of the other UK administrations undertook a consultation in relation to the Strategy between 22 March 2021 and 14 June 2021. The consultation asked if the respondent supported the implementation of the Strategy, agreed with the evidence presented, and had any comments regarding vulnerability assessments, potential actions, and the accessibility of the document information. An accompanying consultation document was also provided to respondents. Additionally, under the Communities National Outcome, a partial Island Community Impact Assessment has been undertaken. This states that, as individual actions are taken forward, they will be assessed for potential impacts on island-specific communities. These would encompass economic factors, for example, impacts on wildlife tourism and recreational activities.

Stakeholders for the Strategy include conservation groups, academia, research organisations and communities. Following the Strategy’s publication, we will directly engage with these groups to work through the recommendations, identify where action can best be taken and allow for the realities of those potentially affected by any future policy to be highlighted and assessed.

There is no evidence to suggest that the Strategy, as a document that sets out six high-level recommendations where action could be taken to address threats and pressures acting on cetacean species, includes measures that would impact on the inequalities experienced by socio-economically disadvantaged or vulnerable groups.

I confirm that the decision not to carry out a Fairer Scotland assessment has been authorised by:

Name and job title of Deputy Director (or equivalent): Caro Cowan Deputy Director Marine Environment

Date authorisation given: July 2025