Question reference: S6W-00482
- Asked by: Beatrice Wishart, MSP for Shetland Islands, Scottish Liberal Democrats
- Date lodged: 4 June 2021
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 10 June 2021
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to the Shetland Fishermen's Association paper, 'ICES-plus': Improving scientific advice in Scottish fisheries management.
Answer
Marine Scotland scientists provide the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) with data, evidence and expertise in relation to stocks of interest to the UK providing the basis for international advice. These scientists already contribute to the peer review of ICES advice in accordance with the organisation’s own advisory framework and principles, and are best placed to comment on the quality of advice from ICES and where appropriate challenge that advice or the interpretations and assumptions.
Marine Scotland intends to discuss these issues with the fishing industry under the Future Fisheries Management Strategy. The Scottish Government’s negotiating position has always been to deliver the best outcome for Scotland’s fishing interests through securing sustainable catching opportunities.”