Chamber and committees

The Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 provides the wider statutory framework for sustainable marine planning and management in Scotland. The allocation of fishing opportunities is, however, governed more specifically by section 25 of the Fisheries Act 2020 and by the Joint Fisheries Statement.

The Joint Fisheries Statement requires UK fisheries policy authorities to keep policies on the distribution of fishing opportunities under review. The Scottish Government has done so, including through the Future Fisheries Management programme and subsequent work on the allocation of Scotland’s share of Additional Quota.

That work has considered the role of the Fixed Quota Allocation system and how Scotland’s fishing opportunities can support environmental, social and economic outcomes, including for coastal and island communities. Following consultation, the Scottish Government introduced revised arrangements for Additional Quota, including allocations based on historic track record, targeted support for the non-sector fleet, and a pilot application-based approach for West of Scotland cod.

Separately, the Scottish Government also uses the Economic Link licence condition to help ensure that the benefits from access to Scottish fishing opportunities are realised in Scotland’s coastal and island communities, including through landings into Scotland.

The Scottish Government is considering the timing and scope of further consultation on the allocation of Additional Quota.

We will continue to keep quota management arrangements under review, including longer-term options such as community quota initiatives, to support sustainable fisheries management and the continued contribution of fishing to Scotland’s coastal and island communities.