Many of the fisheries of importance to Scotland are managed in an international context, mostly through the EU's Common Fisheries Policy. Marine Scotland negotiate fishing opportunities in the form of quota for Scotland's fleet. Marine Scotland also help to develop Europe's fisheries management policies and implement them in the waters around Scotland and in Scotland's fleet, wherever it fishes.
In fisheries negotiations, the Scottish Government is committed to making the complex layers of responsibilities - at UK, EU and international level - work effectively to deliver agreed outcomes. Marine Scotland work closely with a range of stakeholders including industry representatives, environmental NGOs and the scientific community to develop our fisheries policy.
Marine Scotland use sound science responsibly. Decisions and negotiating priorities are based on the highest quality science and take into account wider policy objectives, public attitudes, socio-economic implications and the precautionary approach.
It is important to live within environmental limits. In fisheries, this means recognising the industry's environmental imperative, making sure that fish stocks are kept healthy to provide a resource for future generations and safeguarding the diversity of the marine ecosystem on which they depend.
Healthy fish populations are a naturally renewable resource, providing long term fishing opportunities for the sea fishing industry and natural food for consumers. The Scottish Government encourages eco-labelling schemes such as the Marine Stewardship Council's (MSC) as it recognises that they have a valuable role to play in promoting sustainable fisheries and fish consumption.
Fish stocks must be managed effectively so they can remain healthy (that is, with a full biological capacity for reproduction). Only in this way will they continue to provide a future harvest for the fishing industry, food for our tables and fulfil their function in our marine ecosystems.
On the web pages in the Stock Conservation and Negotiations section you will be able to find information about:
- Conservation issues such as discards and independent sustainability certification
- Fish stocks and how they are assesses them
- The Fisheries negotiations that Marine Scotland are involved in and how fisheries are managed at an international level