SIFT PROJECT

Wrasse

SIFT is actively involved in advocating for higher standards of management in the wrasse fishery, which has been operated without adequate controls on how, where and when it occurs.

SIFT PROJECT

Marine Planning

SIFT strongly supports coherent marine spatial planning, has actively engaged with the Scottish Government’s consultation process on National Marine Planning and has been an active participant in the much delayed process of introducing Regional Marine Plans to Scottish coastal waters.

SIFT PROJECT

Climate Change

SIFT’s work on climate change focuses on protecting blue carbon stores and reducing the emissions from Scotland’s fishing fleet. In addition, SIFT promotes fisheries management which is able to adapt to the impacts of climate change.

SIFT PROJECT

Seaweed

SIFT’s work on seaweed covers two main areas: prohibiting the industrialised extraction of wild kelp seaweeds; and promoting the regulation of sustainable seaweed cultivation. 

SIFT PROJECT

Clyde Cod

SIFT has worked for many years to improve the management of the Firth of Clyde cod fishery. Formerly a substantial commercial activity, the Clyde cod fishery has been closed for over two decades and subject to a management regime aiming, but failing, to restore stocks to a sufficient level to enable the re-opening of fishing. 

SIFT PROJECT

Squid

SIFT is working to bring management measures to Scotland’s squid fishery. This is a significant fishery in Scotland, with over 200 vessels recording squid catch or bycatch in 2024. However in 2025, it was revealed that there are significant gaps surrounding the squid fishery in Scotland. 

SIFT PROJECT

Community Engagement

SIFT is an active member of the Our Seas Coalition and is involved in grassroots marine conservation efforts in Sutherland.

SIFT PROJECT

Aquaculture

While SIFT generally do not campaign on the salmon aquaculture sector, the exceptions to this are our work on the wrasse fishery (which is driven by demand for wrasse from salmon farms) and the work we have undertaken, with Wildfish, on establishing the economic impacts of the salmon farming sector.  

SIFT PROJECT

Fisheries Management

SIFT works to improve the overarching framework for inshore fisheries management as well as the management of specific fisheries (such as wrasse and squid). We principally undertake this work by calling for a coherent management regime which addresses failings of governance, management measures and enforcement.