Written Question · S6W-16733 · Session 6
What discussions it had with the fishing industry, prior to the opening of the consultation, regarding the introduction of Highly Protected…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what discussions it had with the fishing industry, prior to the opening of the consultation, regarding the introduction of Highly Protected Marine Areas.
The answer
Scottish Ministers remain committed to supporting Scotland’s fishing sector, which plays such a key role in contributing to our economic prosperity
- especially in remote, rural and island communities.
Our Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (RIFG) Network is our main vehicle for delivering stakeholder-led fisheries management projects, as well as providing a forum for inshore commercial fishers and offering them a strong voice in matters that affect them.
Prior to the launch of our initial consultation, on 12 December 2022, Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) were discussed at a number of RIFG meetings – 7 October 2021 – All Chairs4 November 2021 – All Chairs5 November 2021 – West Coast3 December 2021 – Outer Hebrides13 December 2021 – North & East Coast24 January 2022 – All Chairs9 May 2022 – All Chairs16 May 2022 – Outer Hebrides17 May 2022 – Outer Hebrides12 July 2022 – All Chairs2 August 2022 – All Chairs11 November 2022 – North and East Coast29 November 2022 – West Coast
Officials also had regular ongoing discussions throughout 2022 with both the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) and the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) to hear their views as we developed our proposed approach to HPMAs. Meetings were held on – 11 October 20214 November 202110 December 202114 January 20224 March 20221 April 202229 April 202220 May 202224 June 202222 July 202226 August 202214 October 202211 November 20229 December 2022
Additionally, officials also had discussions specifically regarding HPMAs with the Communities Inshore Fisheries Alliance (CIFA) on 10 March 2022 and the Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation (SCFF) on 29 March 2022.
At the moment, we are at the very early stages of developing HPMAs and are yet to consider where they might be located as part of a separate process. There will be further opportunities for those involved in the fishing industry to have their say on where and how we enhance our marine protection.
- especially in remote, rural and island communities.
Our Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (RIFG) Network is our main vehicle for delivering stakeholder-led fisheries management projects, as well as providing a forum for inshore commercial fishers and offering them a strong voice in matters that affect them.
Prior to the launch of our initial consultation, on 12 December 2022, Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) were discussed at a number of RIFG meetings – 7 October 2021 – All Chairs4 November 2021 – All Chairs5 November 2021 – West Coast3 December 2021 – Outer Hebrides13 December 2021 – North & East Coast24 January 2022 – All Chairs9 May 2022 – All Chairs16 May 2022 – Outer Hebrides17 May 2022 – Outer Hebrides12 July 2022 – All Chairs2 August 2022 – All Chairs11 November 2022 – North and East Coast29 November 2022 – West Coast
Officials also had regular ongoing discussions throughout 2022 with both the Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) and the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) to hear their views as we developed our proposed approach to HPMAs. Meetings were held on – 11 October 20214 November 202110 December 202114 January 20224 March 20221 April 202229 April 202220 May 202224 June 202222 July 202226 August 202214 October 202211 November 20229 December 2022
Additionally, officials also had discussions specifically regarding HPMAs with the Communities Inshore Fisheries Alliance (CIFA) on 10 March 2022 and the Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation (SCFF) on 29 March 2022.
At the moment, we are at the very early stages of developing HPMAs and are yet to consider where they might be located as part of a separate process. There will be further opportunities for those involved in the fishing industry to have their say on where and how we enhance our marine protection.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S6W-16733 by reference.