8.7 per cent. The total area covered by the trial sites, including those where an appropriate assessment is yet concluded and fishing is therefore not currently authorised, is 5,410 square kilometres. The total area of Scottish waters bounded by the area up to 6 nautical miles from the coast is 62,212 square kilometres.

Separate annual total allowable catches have not been set. The Scottish Government will keep the trial under review and reserves the right to close areas to further fishing or introduce specific conditions for particular trial areas.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-15299 on 26 April 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

The selection of areas for inclusion in the razor clam electrofishing trial was informed by consultation with fishermen and others with an interest in the razor clam fishery. Abundance of razor clams will fluctuate over time and across different geographical areas, but the total number of vessels that it is expected will be authorised to participate (up to 28) is similar to the number of vessels that have participated in this fishery in the recent past. The Scottish Government will keep under review the distribution of vessels across trial areas, and the total number of vessels in the trial.

Razor clam fishing can be conducted at all times during the year, but is most practicable in better weather. Allusion to a fishing season is intended as a reference to the summer months. Current plans allow for the trial to continue for at least two years from 1 February 2018 but the duration of the trial will be kept under review.

Under present EU law vessels of length overall 12 metres and over must have installed an operating and tamper proof vessel monitoring system. It is planned however that all vessels participating in the trial will have installed on-board an additional and bespoke monitoring system, which will confirm both vessel position and also when specified electrical equipment is being used. Installation of this equipment is a condition of the derogation that authorises participation in the trial. The installation of this equipment will allow for real time access to the on-board system for Compliance Officers. This system has been trialled and gives clear indication of vessel activities, including the vessel’s position every 10 seconds.

Derogations issued to authorise vessels to take part in the trial require vessels to deploy only specified electrical equipment, and said equipment must be inspected prior to the commencement of fishing operations. Arrangements are being made to allow for the continuing monitoring of the use of equipment while vessels are at sea. The future participation in the trial of any participant not deploying the specified electrical equipment will be reviewed.

I refer the member to the answer to question S5W-15314 on 26 April 2018. All answers to written parliamentary questions are available on the Parliament’s website, the search facility for which can be found at http://www.parliament.scot/parliamentarybusiness/28877.aspx .

Applications for the razor clam electrofishing trial were assessed by a cross-Departmental panel, which involved Marine Scotland, the Health and Safety Executive and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. Applications were scored against published criteria that were concerned with vessel safety, economic impact, the safety of diving operations and experience in scientific research.

The criteria and scoring system were explained in the application form for the trial, which may be viewed here: http://www.gov.scot/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/management/razors/trialapp . The scoring system is described at Annex C of the form.

The scoring system allowed for a maximum of 36 points. Vessels that achieved a score of 16 or more have in general been offered a place on the trial, except in cases where there were considered to exist in relation to particular vessels contemporary and substantial concerns connected to safety. A maximum of 28 vessels will take part in the trial, subject to successful vessel inspection. This total number is similar to the number of vessels that have participated in this fishery in the recent past, and is considered a reasonable upper limit.

Vessels have been allocated to trial areas according to the preferences stated in their application form. The Scottish Government will keep under review the distribution of vessels across trial areas, and the total number of vessels in the trial.

There are no plans at present to publish these details.