The independent Inquiry into Future Fisheries Management (IFFM) commenced its work in January 2009 to develop recommendations as to how Scotland could best manage its fisheries sustainably in the long-term.
Its remit was to identify and develop alternative models of fisheries management which would best suit the unique circumstances of the Scottish fishing sector and optimise the benefits for Scottish communities and the marine environment.
On Thursday 4 November the Inquiry published their report : The Future of Fisheries Management in Scotland - Report of an Independent Panel.
The report's conclusions were based upon evidence and opinion taken from more than 80 experts representing the industry (catching through to retail), science, academia, NGOs, government, EU Commission, and individuals. The focus of the report was of course on the Scottish fishery, however, there are many lessons in the report that can be read further afield.
Throughout the life of the inquiry the IFFM membership consisted of:
- Alan Campbell, Chair (recently Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council and former Chief Executive of Grampian Regional Council)
- David Symes (Reader Emeritus, University of Hull)
- Prof Ian Boyd (Gatty Marine Research Institute, St Andrew's University)
- Kjartan Hoydal (Secretary to North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission)
- Sandy West (Don Fishing Company)
- Jennifer Russell (Anderson Solutions)
The Inquiry also published an interim report on September 21, 2009. This helped the Scottish Government develop its response to Europe's Green Paper on the future of the CFP.
The picture shows, from left to right: David Symes, Alan Campbell & Ian Boyd