At its meeting on 9 March 2022, the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee considered the Sea Fish (Prohibition on Fishing) (Firth of Clyde) Order 2022 (SSI 2022/35).

The purpose of the Order is to protect cod stocks in the Firth of Clyde at a crucial time in their life cycle by prohibiting fishing effort during their spawning season. The Order prohibits fishing within two areas of the Firth of Clyde from 14 February until 30 April, in both 2022 and 2023.

The instrument is subject to the negative procedure and came into force on 12 February 2022.

The Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee considered the instrument at its meeting on 8 February 2022 and agreed to draw the instrument to the attention of the Parliament because it breached the 28-day rule. The DPLRC agreed it was content with the explanation that the Scottish Government had provided for the breach of the laying requirement and made no further recommendations in relation to the instrument.

The Committee held two evidence sessions in relation to the instrument. On 2 March 2022, the Committee considered evidence from fishing organisations, academics and environmental NGOs.

On 9 March 2022, the Committee held an evidence session with the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, accompanied by Scottish Government officials.

After the evidence session, Rachael Hamilton MSP, moved motion S6M-03543 —

That the Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee recommends that the Sea Fish (Prohibition on Fishing) (Firth of Clyde) (No. 2) Order 2022 (SSI 2022/35) be annulled.

The motion was not agreed to by division (for 2, against 5, abstentions 2).

The official report of the meeting can be accessed on the Scottish Parliament's website.