In March, SIFT responded to the Scottish Government’s consultation on the 11 draft demersal fisheries management plans (FMPs).
FMPs are ‘action plans’ aimed at securing the long-term sustainability of different fisheries. These are in the process of being produced for UK fish stocks, and the Scottish Government is leading on 22 separate FMPs. SIFT’s response highlighted that the drafts fell well short of what is required across the board. Instead, we call for plans which:
- explicitly set out how actions are in line with the objectives in the Fisheries Act (2020) and how they will contribute to Good Environmental Status (GES);
- have SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) policies to guarantee effective implementation and monitor progress;
- take into account the impacts of climate change, and provide an adaptive management regime that can cope with a changing ocean.
Find our response here: SIFT – 11 Proposed Joint UK Fisheries Management Plans for Demersal Fish Stocks consultation response
