Develop and implement a suite of technical and spatial measures to reduce levels of discarding of ‘unwanted’ fish catch alongside measures to reduce bycatch of sensitive marine species.
Objective 3: Embed nature positive Farming, Fishing and Forestry
Priority Action 17. Implement the policies in Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy to deliver sustainable fisheries, using best available scientific advice, and minimising adverse impacts on nontarget species and habitats.
Policy development on reducing discards and bycatch is ongoing within Scotland’s wider fisheries management reform programme. The UK Fisheries Act and Joint Fisheries Statement provide the framework for a more selective and evidence-based approach to fisheries management, but no Scotland-specific implementation package of technical and spatial discard-reduction measures has yet been fully published or brought into force.
Recent Scottish Government fisheries consultations (including wider fisheries policy reform proposals) include discussion of selectivity improvements, gear measures, and spatial management tools aimed at reducing unwanted catch and bycatch, but these remain at consultation or development stage rather than implemented policy.
Reducing discards and bycatch is strongly supported by marine science evidence, including Marine Scotland and international fisheries research, which shows that more selective gears, spatial closures, and real-time management can reduce mortality of non-target species and improve ecosystem health. However, ecological outcomes depend on adoption and enforcement of specific technical and spatial measures, not policy intent or consultation proposals. As implementation is not yet confirmed, ecological benefits remain potential rather than demonstrated.
Consult on proposals to transition our inshore fisheries to a more agile and responsive management system informed by the best available evidence.
Develop 21 Fisheries Management Plans as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement to increase or maintain the sustainability of fish stocks.
Identify high risk areas, gear types and/or fisheries for bycatch and entanglement of sensitive marine species, in which to focus monitoring and mitigation.
Work with stakeholders to focus on identifying practical, achievable actions to reduce pressure on seafloor habitats most at risk or most extensively impacted informed as appropriate by the development of an OSPAR Regional Action Plan on benthic shelf habitats.
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