‘No decisions made’ as consultation launched on proposed fisheries management changes
A CONSULTATION has been launched on proposed changes to fisheries management measures around Scotland’s waters.
Fishers, coastal communities, marine and environmental groups are being invited to have their say on the latest Scottish Government plans for inshore marine protected areas (MPAs) and priority marine feature (PMF) areas.
The consultation seeks views on fisheries management options for 166 protected sites and areas in the inshore marine region.
Twenty six of the sites proposed are in Shetland.
Agricultural, marine and islands minister Jim Fairlie said that MPAs and PMFs “play an important role in helping us to achieve our shared ambitions for healthy, productive and resilient seas”.
“Effective management of activities within these areas is essential to ensure that their conservation objectives can be achieved for current and future generations.”
He added it was important to be clear that “no decisions have been made at this stage.”
The Scottish Government has said that the proposed measures aim to protect important habitats and species while supporting sustainable fisheries and the coastal communities that depend on healthy, productive seas.
The consultation will remain open until 18 January 2027, giving people the chance to share their views.
There will be 26 in person drop-in events around Scotland and 17 online events for people to ask questions and provide support in responding to the consultation.
In an opinion piece on Shetland News last month, Fairlie – who had just visited Shetland – said the Scottish Government had learned from its ill-fated highly protected marine areas (HPMA) consultation.
‘My commitment is to keep listening, to get the balance right’
He said he understood the importance of fishing to the Shetland community and knew that “changes to how we manage our seas can feel unsettling for those whose livelihoods depend on them.”
In response, Shetland Fishermen’s Association executive officer Sheila Keith said any changes to management measures “must not come at any cost to fishermen or undermine the viability of our fleet”.
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“Until we see the consultation in full, we will not know whether our early representations have influenced or altered any part of the initial proposals,” she said.
“We will be happy to comment further once we have had sight of the full consultation and can assess the proposals properly.”
Fairlie said today (Monday) that they knew changes made by the Scottish Government “touches people’s homes, their traditions, and their sense of place”.
“However, we also know that marine ecosystems across the world face increasing pressures from climate change, ocean warming and habitat loss – and Scotland is not immune to these challenges,” the marine minister said.
“That’s why I am determined to protect our oceans in a way that is fair and ensures they remain a source of prosperity for the nation, and especially for our island and coastal communities.
“The development of these proposals has been informed by years of engagement, scientific evidence gathering and discussion with representatives from the fishing industry, environmental organisations, coastal communities, local authorities, and other interested parties, meeting with them over 120 times in the last four years.”
You can read and respond to the consultation here.
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