The Scottish Government has expressed its desire to strengthen its partnership with Clyde fishers and promote more collaboration in the future. In response to The Future of Clyde Fishing series by The Herald, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, emphasized the importance of working together with the industry and other stakeholders to address challenges collectively.
While recognizing the diverse range of opinions among different groups, including fishers and marine conservationists, Gougeon acknowledged the difficulty in reaching a consensus on the best approach. The closure of the Clyde cod box, an area crucial for cod spawning, sparked tensions among stakeholders and highlighted the need for better collaboration.
A Clyde creel fisherman featured in The Herald series called for enhanced relationships and problem-solving among government, fishermen, and environmental non-governmental organizations (eNGOs). Gougeon also noted the emergence of new users in the marine space, such as renewables, underscoring the necessity for effective planning and protection measures.
She outlined plans for an agile, regionalized framework for inshore fisheries that prioritizes co-management and incorporates various perspectives to address the distinct challenges faced by Scotland’s diverse fishing sector. Gougeon emphasized that many of the issues confronting the Clyde are shared across Scotland’s fishing sectors, necessitating a unified approach to sustainable fishing practices.
Despite progress in improving the sustainability status of commercial stocks, Gougeon highlighted the pressure on certain stocks like crab and lobsters, leading to the implementation of interim management measures. The Scottish Government is also focusing on enhancing technical fishing regulations to minimize bycatch and exploring innovative technologies like vessel tracking and Remote Electronic Monitoring to bolster the evidence base.
Gougeon recognized the significant economic and social contributions of the fishing industry, commending fishers for their resilience and responsible practices in adapting to evolving fishing methods. She also addressed the challenges posed by climate change and shifting seas, stressing the importance of collaboration in navigating these changes and seizing opportunities that arise.
In conclusion, the Scottish Government is committed to fostering greater collaboration with Clyde fishers and stakeholders to address shared challenges, promote sustainable fishing practices, and ensure the long-term health and resilience of Scotland’s marine environment. By working together, the fishing industry can adapt to environmental changes, enhance coexistence, and thrive in a rapidly evolving seascape.