Inshore Fisheries Groups (IFGs) in Scotland aim to offer an innovative, partnership-led and locally specific approach to fisheries management. They are designed to allow inshore fishing operators, other fishing interests and wider stakeholders to shape the management of local fisheries. IFGs engage commercial fishermen on an open and transparent basis, balancing the interests of small and large operators, along with environmental, socio-economic and community development objectives. In doing so, they strive to give the commercial fishing sector a strong voice in both the local management of inshore fisheries out to six nautical miles as well as wider marine management. This process commenced with a review of options in 2002, which led to the publication of a Strategic Framework for Scottish Inshore Fisheries in 2005, and subsequently to the establishment of 6 IFGs by early 2010.
Each IFG has an Executive Committee made up of commercial fishing interests drawn from Fishermen's Associations, and a spokesperson for non affiliated fishermen. Fishermen sit at the very heart of IFGs, and it is their knowledge and ideas that drive the Groups' work. Each IFG also has an Advisory Group comprising Marine Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage and other relevant bodies. The Groups are therefore directly linked with all those with an interest in fisheries management and the marine environment. The IFGs aim to communicate as effectively as possible with the local fishing community.
Having each appointed a Chair and a Local Coordinator, the six pilot IFGs are making progress in developing Management Plans for their areas. Whilst plans will reflect specific and localised priorities, they will also fit with wider strategic national goals such as sustainable stocks, a healthy marine environment and a profitable fishing sector that supports strong coastal communities. Other issues include spatial management initiatives, voluntary agreements to improve working relationships amongst different types of fisheries, and proposals for funding priorities for an area's fisheries and communities.
The first three pilot IFGs (in the Outer Hebrides, the Clyde and the South-East of Scotland) were established in January 2009, with a further three added later in the year covering the North West, Small Isles and Mull, and Moray Firth.
An indicative map outlines the IFG areas with the current list of contacts.