Use of quota to incentivise low impact fishing 2023: report
A report setting out how allocation of fishing quota to Scotland's sectoral and non-sector fishing fleet segments has incentivised the use of fishing techniques associated with a reduced environmental impact for the year 2023.
1. Introduction
The allocation of fishing opportunities is very important to Scotland’s fishing businesses and associated communities (often coastal communities where the industry is of particular significance). The tonnage of individual fish species that can be landed can – and does – vary from year to year and it is vital that there is stability in what individual businesses can expect to be allocated to allow for business planning and investment. The quota management system must allow for flexibility so that fishing vessels can access fishing opportunities as their catch changes. Any system in Scotland must also integrate with the rest of the UK as much of the infrastructure is based on a UK wide system.
In allocating Scotland’s share of UK quota there are a range of environmental, social and economic factors that are considered. In particular, the Scottish Government has sought to increase fishing opportunities for smaller vessels (10 metre and under) which are more limited in the extent to which they can travel from their home ports and the volume of fish they can harvest. This formed part of the 12 point action plan in our ten-year Fisheries Management Strategy.
Reducing the environmental impact of fishing is a shared goal of the Scottish Government and our fishing industry. Making progress in this area depends on technological innovation, high quality fisheries science, international cooperation and effective regulation underpinned by a robust and compliant compliance framework
We improve environmental performance of Scotland’s fisheries through a variety of approaches, including technical measures, enforcement of fishing regulations and grant support. As well as these, we make decisions about who receives quota, and the conditions under which this quota can be fished.
This approach is essential to delivering on our common goal to fish sustainably, benefiting today while safeguarding this national asset for future generations.