Scottish Government
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Freshwater fisheries framework
A consultation on a new Strategic Framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries, prepared for the sector by the sector, was launched today.
The framework seeks to outline the actions required to develop the direction within which the future management of fisheries in Scotland should work.
Launching the consultation, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Environment richard Lochhead said:
"I am grateful to the Freshwater Fisheries Forum for producing this consultation paper to enable us to widen the debate. To manage and develop the salmon and freshwater fisheries sector in Scotland, in a sustainable manner, is important to all of Scotland and in particular to our rural communities.
"We are not promoting a prescriptive approach to fisheries management but are looking to establish priorities for action to allow management structured to individual circumstances to evolve. I recognise that we are being aspirational, but without ambition we will not remain one of the world's premier fishing destinations while maintaining a vibrant domestic fishery."
The Scottish Government is seeking responses to the consultation by January 4, 2008.
The Scottish Freshwater Fisheries Forum (SFFF) was set up jointly by the Scottish Government and key stakeholders from the salmon and freshwater fisheries sector. A Steering Group comprising of Scottish Government Officials and key stakeholders from the freshwater fisheries sector developed a Strategic framework for Scottish Freshwater Fisheries within which a basis for the development of this sector without compromising vulnerable natural resources could take place.
The SFFF provides a public arena in which attendees can be kept up to date with developments and express their own views. The next Forum is scheduled to take place at Hampden Park, Glasgow on Wednesday 28 November, at which the framework will be the main discussion topic. The SFFF is seen as being a vital part in the formulation of future policy development which proved its worth in developing the Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill, which passed through Parliament during 2006/07. The SFFF allows for a much more inclusive and collaborative consultation process.
The SFFF Steering Group drives forward the issues which will then be disseminated to a wider audience via their membership, websites, information leaflets and the SFFF. The forum seeks to include all stakeholders in the process of developing sustainable fisheries for salmon and freshwater fish in Scotland, by involving, for the first time, those people who represent interests whose property, businesses, leisure pursuits, and general interests will be affected by any new policy proposals. This represents a real example of bringing the people into the policy making process.
Members of the Forum Steering group are:
- Association of Salmon Fishery Boards
- Association of Scottish Stillwater Fisheries
- Atlantic Salmon Trust
- British Trout Association
- Consultative Committee on Protection Orders
- Fish Conservation Centre
- Fisheries Research Services
- Institute of Fisheries Management
- National Farmers Union (Scotland)
- Rivers and Fisheries Trusts for Scotland
- Representative of Disabled Anglers
- Salmon and Trout Association (Scotland)
- Salmon Net Fishing Association of Scotland
- Scottish Anglers National Association
- Scottish Campaign for Public Angling
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency
- Scottish Federation for Coarse Angling
- Scottish Natural Heritage
- Scottish Rural Property and Business Association
- Scottish Disabled Anglers Association
- The Scottish Government provide the Chair and the Secretariat
The Strategic Framework
The strategic framework has been developed by the fisheries sector and this consultation allows wider dissemination of their views and proposals before it can be considered for adoption by all the parties, including Scottish Ministers. It deals with the development of sustainable freshwater fisheries in Scotland. This sector currently contributes in excess of £120 million to the Scottish economy and supports around 2,800 jobs
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