Scottish Government Introduces New Offshore Fishing Restrictions to Protect Marine Areas

In a bold move to conserve Scotland's rich marine biodiversity, the Scottish Government announced the Offshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 2025. This legislation, effective from 2025, aims to protect various marine habitats by imposing specific fishing gear restrictions across 19 designated marine zones.

The Protected Areas: The Order targets 10 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and 9 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), including well-known sites like Braemar Pockmarks SAC and Central Fladen MPA. These areas span Scotland's offshore region, covering distances from 12 to 200 nautical miles.

Key Measures:

• The legislation restricts certain fishing methods in these zones to support conservation efforts.
• Five sites will see blanket gear restrictions, while 14 will have specified zones with targeted restrictions.
• The measures align with responsibilities under both the Conservation of Offshore Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 and the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009.

Policy Objectives: The primary goal is to safeguard marine ecosystems while balancing sustainable fishing practices. These actions uphold the Scottish Government's commitment to achieving conservation objectives and promoting sustainable marine use.

EU and International Alignment: Despite the UK's departure from the EU, Scotland aims to maintain alignment with European environmental standards. This policy supports the ecosystem-based approach initially outlined in the EU's Common Fisheries Policy and aligns with the EU's Marine Strategy Framework Directive.

Public Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement: Extensive consultations have shaped this policy. Between 2013 and 2023, stakeholders, including fishing and environmental groups, were engaged to develop these measures. A formal public consultation in 2024 garnered 3,881 responses, directly influencing the final policy framework.

Impact Assessments and Financial Implications: The policy is backed by rigorous impact assessments, including environmental, socio-economic, and equality evaluations. While the commercial fisheries sector might face constraints due to gear restrictions, the long-term benefits are expected in the form of enhanced ecosystem services. The policy also anticipates additional public sector costs for compliance and enforcement.

Conclusion: The Offshore Fishing Order 2025 signifies Scotland's dedication to marine conservation while balancing the needs of its fishing communities. By regulating fishing methods in these vital areas, Scotland aims to protect its marine heritage for future generations.