The Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for 2026 have been set at levels which take into account scientific advice, socioeconomic factors and, where appropriate, TAC constraints to mitigate large increases and decreases, which could negatively impact the industry and markets.

The number of TACs for key Scottish stocks set at or below the Maximum Sustainable Yield and/or headline advice level has remained the same as in 2025.

Trilateral negotiations between the UK, EU and Norway reached agreement on a package of measures for Northern Shelf cod, which aim to reduce fishing pressure, increase spawning stock biomass, and deliver improvements to existing management. The TAC was set at a -44% decrease compared to 2025, reflecting the Fmsy catch scenario for the two northern substocks, and headline advice for the southern substock. Parties agreed to update elements of their respective Real Time Closures schemes, to extend their respective spawning closures, and to introduce provisions limiting how much quota can be caught in EU and UK waters of the southern North Sea. In the longer term, the Parties agreed to develop a Long Term Management Strategy (LTMS) for the stock, and to further review management measures within the trilateral cod management working group.

Parties agreed a LTMS for North Sea herring, alongside a new, single-fleet management model. The TAC for 2026 was set based on the LTMS, at a level of 328,566 tonnes. The UK will have a start share of 19.3% of the TAC, and in addition will receive a transfer from Norway of 0.2% of the TAC, in return for increased access into UK waters. This means that the UK net share will be 19.5% of the TAC. Quotas for the remaining trilateral whitefish stocks were set at levels within the headline advice. Joint actions agreed for the trilateral stocks will be progressed during 2026.

Bilateral negotiations between the UK and the EU concluded with TACs set for over 80 jointly managed stocks, including those in the North Sea and West of Scotland, including key Scottish stocks of nephrops, monkfish, Rockall haddock and cod, and West of Scotland whiting, cod, and haddock. A suite of management measures and commitments have also been agreed to progress through the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Fisheries in 2026, including for spurdog, skate and rays and ling.

The UK, the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Norway agreed a new and enhanced arrangement on mackerel on 16 December. Details of this can be found here. Separate agreements were reached on blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian (Norwegian Spring Spawning) herring, where the TACs were set in line with headline science advice.

The exchange of fishing opportunities have also been agreed with Norway and Faroe. The bilateral between the UK and Norway concluded with agreement to exchange quota and continue both access agreements which have been in place since 2022. These allow Scottish boats to catch key stocks such as cod, haddock and Atlanto-Scandian herring in Norwegian waters, providing an expected £15m in demersal opportunities and £7m in pelagic to the UK.

Bilateral negotiations between the UK and the Faroe Islands also concluded at the end of 2025. The structure of the agreement mirrors previous years with the UK providing Faroe with quota for Greenland halibut and NAFO 3L cod. The early conclusion of the agreement will allow Scottish vessels to have access to Faroe grounds to fish key stocks of cod, haddock and saithe, worth approximately £4m to the UK.

The NEAFC annual meeting took place in November. Measures were adopted for stocks including Atlanto-Scandian (Norwegian Spring Spawning) herring and Rockall haddock, as well as a number of control and enforcement measures. Measures currently in place at NEAFC can be viewed on the NEAFC website.

Concluded agreements can be found here. Allocations of quotas to individual producer organisations and vessels will be made in the new year.

The post Annual fisheries negotiations concluded appeared first on Marine.

This is a significant step, demonstrating joint leadership and cooperation, aiming to ensure long-term conservation of North-East Atlantic mackerel, one of Scotland’s most important fish stocks.

Key elements of this new and enhanced arrangement include:

• providing a further positive step towards reaching a fully comprehensive six party quota-sharing arrangement;

• provide a further reduction in fishing pressure of -9.23% of the global TAC. This is on top of the -10.25% reduction already secured through our previous agreements with Norway and Faroe. This will limit fishing by all Coastal states to around 107.5% of the TAC versus almost 118% without this added cooperation, when compared to no agreements.

• promoting the efficient utilisation of the fishery and significantly reducing the need for parties to fish in international waters, linked to associated bilateral access arrangements;

• defining a process for addressing fishing party activity;

• limiting ‘banking and borrowing’ of quota;

• outlining a request to ICES to produce a long-term management strategy for the stock;

• clearly setting out the parties, to the agreement, intent to set their TACs for 2026 in line with an MSY catch scenario of 299,010 tonnes;

• providing stability for industry. In the absence of a comprehensive sharing arrangement for the stock being agreed, these arrangements will remain in place until at least 2028.

The overarching aim remains to achieve a fully comprehensive six party sharing arrangement. Parties have committed to work in good faith to secure a full six-party agreement that includes the EU and Greenland. This interim deal keeps that door open.

Scotland will continue to put our full energy behind the wider sharing consultations with the aim of seeking agreements based on robust evidence, ensure the sustainability of this stock and fisheries in the long term and are as comprehensive as possible.

The post UK, Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland reach mackerel arrangement appeared first on Marine.

The Offshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 2025 has now been formally laid before the Scottish Parliament and, subject to the parliamentary process, will come into force on 16 October 2025.

This new legislation introduces site specific restrictions on specific fishing methods in offshore MPAs to better protect vulnerable habitats and species, such as deep-sea sponge aggregations, cold-water corals, and seafloor habitats that are critical to marine biodiversity. These measures represent a major milestone in the government’s ongoing commitment to delivering a sustainable approach to marine management, while supporting the long-term viability of Scotland’s fishing industry.

The Order follows an extensive stakeholder engagement and a public consultation on proposed fisheries management approaches for these sites. Feedback from stakeholders across the fishing sector, conservation organisations, and other marine users was central to shaping the final outcomes.

Site Specific Protection

• five sites* will see the introduction of full-site restrictions, where only one management option was presented during consultation. These areas will be closed to all fishing methods that are considered damaging to the protected features

• thirteen sites will implement zonal measures, as consulted upon, which allow certain types of fishing activity to continue in areas where they are considered compatible with conservation objectives

• two sites,  Central Fladen MPA and East of Gannet and Montrose Fields MPA, will adopt revised zonal measures, following updated conservation advice from the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC). These adjustments increase the level of protection in response to new evidence about the sensitivity and ecological value of the designated features in these areas

*Anton Dohrn SAC sits fully within the West of Scotland MPA and is subject to the same measures, so is not explicitly detailed in the Order.

The Scottish Government has published a comprehensive guidance document to support implementation and stakeholder awareness. This includes detailed information on the measures, such as maps, gear codes, and geographic coordinates of the management areas. Fishers are strongly encouraged to consult this document to ensure compliance with the new regulations.

Alongside the guidance, the Scottish Government’s Response to the Consultation has also been published. This response outlines how final decisions were made and provides transparency about how stakeholder feedback, evidence and advice, including updated advice from JNCC, have shaped the management measures.

These new protections mark a significant advancement in Scotland’s efforts to ensure the long-term health and resilience of its offshore marine environment. They also reinforce the Scottish Government’s commitment to meeting its national and international obligations on marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries management.

Further information, including full details of the measures, impact assessments and fisheries assessments, is available on our website. Simply search ‘Offshore Marine Protected Areas’. For any enquiries contact the Marine Biodiversity team at Marine_Biodiversity@gov.scot.

The post Strengthening Protection of Scotland’s Marine Environment: New Offshore MPA Measures Introduced appeared first on Marine.

MeCCAM is a pioneering four-year project aimed at equipping the European fisheries sector with innovative, science-based solutions to adapt and mitigate climate change. Coordinated by Sjókovin in the Faroe Islands, the project brings together 16 partners from 9 European countries. The project is funded by Horizon Europe with a total budget of EUR 4.5 million.

Our partners spent three days in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, launching the project, planning upcoming activities and discussing the implementation of MeCCAM. The kick-off set the scene for strong collaboration and synergies across the consortium. The project will deliver outcomes in the following key areas:

Sustainable Fisheries for a Changing Climate

MeCCAM will advance innovative fishing gears and decision support tools that help reduce environmental impact, improve fuel efficiency, and optimise fishing strategies, whilst ensuring economic viability. A mobile app for catch registration will enable fishers to respond in real-time to changes in species distribution caused by warming waters.

Science-Driven Tools for Smarter Decisions

Digital innovation is key in MeCCAM. The project will evaluate an environmental impact assessment software and deliver data-driven tools and best practices to support climate-resilient decision-making throughout the fisheries value chain.

Collaboration for Lasting Impact

Bringing together industry stakeholders, scientists, and policymakers, MeCCAM will foster cross-sector collaboration to ensure that its results are both practical and impactful. Training materials and policy briefs will support the integration of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies into long-term fisheries management.

Six Case Studies Across Europe

MeCCAM solutions will be implemented and demonstrated in six regional case studies that have been strategically selected to reflect the variety of challenges faced by European fisheries—from industrial pelagic and demersal operations to small-scale fisheries. Each Case Study will test the project’s tools and solutions, ensuring relevance and applicability across the European fisheries sector.

“The Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate are delighted to be involved in this innovative and exciting project to future proof Scotland’s fisheries and coastal communities whilst ensuring the long term sustainability of our stocks.”

MeCCAM is funded by the European Union under Grant Agreement N° 101181571. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor REA can be held responsible for them.

With climate change posing increasing risks to marine ecosystems and coastal communities, MeCCAM is a timely and vital step toward securing a sustainable future for European fisheries.

Contact:
Campbell Pert or Matt Gubbins

Campbell.Pert@gov.scot

Matthew.Gubbins@gov.scot

The post Launching MeCCAM: A Pioneering EU Project to Mitigate and Adapt European Fisheries to Climate Change appeared first on Marine.

Tha iad a’ cluich pàirt riatanach ann an dèiligeadh ris an èiginn dhùbailte a th’ ann le call bith-iomadachd agus atharrachadh na gnàth-shìde. Tha marannan fallain nan àrainnean do bheatha na mara, ’s iad a’ glacadh carbon agus teas, a thuilleadh air a bhith nan cothrom dhuinn biadh na mara a ghlacadh agus cumhachd ath-nuadhachail a chur gu feum. 

Tha na marannan againn nam bun-stèidh do ghnothachasan na mara agus nam bunait chudromach airson teachd a-steach agus fastadh air feadh Alba, gu h-àraid ann an coimhearsnachdan dùthchail agus eileanach. Tha iad cuideachd nam pàirt mhòr dhen dualchas chultarail agus dhen fhèin-aithne nàiseanta a th’ againn. 

Ge-tà, ’s ann fo iomadh uallach a tha na marannan againn. Mur nach eil sinn a’ cur stad air a’ chrìonadh a tha ri fhaicinn a thaobh slàinte àrainneachd na mara againn, agus a’ dèanamh oidhirp ath-nuadhachadh a thoirt oirre, cuiridh sinn ann an cunnart an comas a th’ againn na buannachdan eaconamach agus sòisealta a tha an lùib stòras na mara a mheudachadh gu làn-ìre, an-dràsta agus san àm ri teachd. 

Airson ’s gum bi buannachdan fad-ùine ann do ghnothachasan, daoine agus nàdar a rèir Lèirsinn airson Eaconamaidh Ghorm na h-Alba, feumaidh sinn cruth-atharrachadh a thoirt air an dòigh anns an cleachd sinn àrainneachd na mara. Feumaidh sinn cuideachd an cruth-atharrachadh seo a stiùireadh ann an dòigh a tha reusanta agus cothromach. 

Do Riaghaltas na h-Alba, ’s e an dà chuid an toradh – àm ri teachd nas cothromaiche, nas uaine dhuinn uile – agus an dòigh anns an ruig sinn an toradh – ann an com-pàirteachadh leis an fheadhainn as buailtiche a bhith fo bhuaidh a’ ghnothaich – a tha an lùib eadar-ghluasad cothromach. ’S e gun dèan sinn cinnteach gun tèid sinn nar dùthaich le cothromachadh-carboin agus seasmhachd mu choinneimh na gnàth-shìde, ann an dòigh a dhèiligeas ri neo-ionannachd agus a ghabhas ri cothroman ùra.  

Mar phàirt dhen ghealltanas seo, tha e deatamach gun obraich sinn còmhla airson ’s gum bi àm ri teachd gealltanach ann do mharannan na h-Alba. ’S e sin àm ri teachd far am bi gach roinn na mara seasmhach agus ag obair ann an co-sheirm ri nàdar, ’s na coimhearsnachdan dùthchail agus costail a tha an urra riutha a’ soirbheachadh. 

Sa bhrath-bhloga seo, gheibhear cuid a dh’eisimpleirean de na tha sinn a’ dèanamh gus taic a chumail ri eadar-ghluasad cothromach do mharannan agus muinntir na h-Alba. Gheibhear cuideachd cunntas às ùr air na h-ath rudan a nì sinn. 

Na tha sinn a’ dèanamh 

Tha sinn ag obair còmhla ri roinnean na mara agus coimhearsnachdan costail feuch am bi àm ri teachd seasmhach ann do mharannan na h-Alba, a chùm leas gach neach ann an Alba. Seo dìreach cuid a chùisean sgrùdaidh a sheallas cò ris a tha seo coltach gu practaigeach: 

Cùis sgrùdaidh 1: Planadh mara 

Tha sinn a’ leasachadh plana mara ùr, nàiseanta do mharannan na h-Alba a thèid an àite a’ Phlana Mara Nàiseanta (2015) a th’ ann an-dràsta. Cumaidh an Dàrna Plana Mara Nàiseanta (PMN2) againn taic ri leasachadh seasmhach nam marannan againn, ’s e a’ dìon àrainneachd na mara againn agus a’ lìbhrigeadh thoraidhean dha na coimhearsnachdan costail againn. 

Tha sinn dìorrasach am PMN2 a leasachadh ann an dòigh a chleachdas modh-obrach stèidhichte air eadar-ghluasad cothromach, ann an com-pàirteachadh leis an fheadhainn air an toir planadh mara buaidh. Tha sinn a’ dèanamh seo tro bhith: 

• a’ dèanamh conaltradh gu tric agus gu farsaing, ’s fiosrachadh ga sgaoileadh aon uair ’s gum bi e ri fhaotainn 

• a’ cruinneachadh mholaidhean agus bheachdan airson am plana a leasachadh còmhla ris an fheadhainn a chleachdas agus a tha an urra ris na marannan againn 

• a’ togail bun-stèidh fianais làidir, shoilleir tro mheasaidhean buaidh, nam measg làn-mheasadh na buaidh shòiseo-eaconamach. ’S ann mar seo a thèid buaidhean a dh’fhaodadh am PMN2 a thoirt air roinnean na mara agus coimhearsnachdan aithneachadh, a bharrachd air ceumannan a dh’fhaodte a thoirt a-steach dhan PhMN2 airson dèiligeadh ri droch bhuaidh sam bith 

• a’ dealbhadh poileasaidh a’ PhMN2 leis an gabh farsaingeachd de ghuthan a riochdachadh ann an co-dhùnaidhean planaidh an ama ri teachd, agus ann an cruthachadh fhuasglaidhean dhan fheadhainn air an toir atharrachaidhean buaidh.

   

Cùis sgrùdaidh 2: Riaghladh ghrunndan iasgaich 

Tha sinn a’ gabhail cheumannan gus leasachadh a dhèanamh air mar a thèid grunndan iasgaich a riaghladh, airson dèiligeadh ri èiginn na bith-iomadachd agus cothroman eaconamach seasmhach aithneachadh. 

Tha sinn ag obair còmhla ri iasgairean airson co-riaghladh agus co-obrachadh seasmhach a neartachadh. Tha seo a’ gabhail a-steach obair ann an com-pàirteachadh le Buidheann Riaghladh agus Glèidhteachas Iasgaich (FMAC) agus le Buidhnean Iasgach a’ Chladaich (RIFGs). 

Tha sinn cuideachd a’ leasachadh dòigh-obrach a bhios nas freagarraiche a thaobh riaghladh ghrunndan iasgaich faisg air a’ chladach. Tro mhodh-obrach a bhios stèidhichte air co-riaghladh, cuiridh seo ri lìbhrigeadh fhuasglaidhean airson riaghladh ghrunndan iasgaich, ’s na fuasglaidhean sin freagarrach aig ìre ionadail.

’S ann ann an dlùth cho-obrachadh le luchd-ùidhe a thathar air ceumannan airson riaghladh ghrunndan iasgaich a leasachadh do sgìrean mara fo dhìon agus feartan mara fìor chudromach. Tha sinn air coinneamhan air-loidhne agus aghaidh ri aghaidh a chumail gu tric còmhla ri riochdairean gnìomhachas an iasgaich agus iasgairean fa leth. Tha sinn cuideachd air co-chomhairleachaidhean poblach nàiseanta a chumail air buaidh nan ceumannan a tha ag amas air feartan mara fìor chudromach (PMF) agus sgìrean mara fo dhìon (MPA) a riaghladh. Mar phàirt dhe na measaidhean air a’ buaidh shòiseo-eaconamach, ruith sinn tachartasan ionadail aghaidh ri aghaidh airson na buaidhean sòisealta agus ionadail a thuigsinn dh’fhaodadh a bhith an lùib cheumannan a thathar a’ moladh airson grunndan iasgaich a riaghladh. Bidh sinn fhathast ag obair gu dlùth còmhla ri coimhearsnachdan, airson taic a thoirt dhaibh na buannachdan eaconamach, sòisealta, cultarail agus bith-iomadachail a ruigsinn a dh’fhaodadh a bhith an cois àrainneachd mara fo dhìon. Nì sinn cinnteach gum faigh na guthan aca èisteachd aig ìre ionadail.

Cùis sgrùdaidh 3: Maoineachadh  

’S e gealltanas luach £500 millean thar deich bliadhna a th’ anns a’ Mhaoin airson Eadar-ghluasad Cothromach (JTF), ’s i a’ cumail taic ri pròiseactan san Ear-Thuath agus ann am Moireibh. Chuir sinn air chois cuairt ùr airson thairgsean do 2025-26 (luach suas ri £8.5m), agus chuir sinn £7.4 millean a bharrachd ri pròiseactan a th’ ann mar-thà. 

A thuilleadh air seo, tha sinn a’ toirt seachad maoineachadh a chumas taic ri ùr-ghnàthachadh anns na roinnean mara againn, agus a bhios na chuideachadh air an t-slighe gu riaghladh seasmhach marannan na h-Alba. 

Tha Stòras Mara na h-Alba air còrr is £55m a thoirt seachad bho 2021 gus taic a chumail ri pròiseactan a chuireas ri eaconamaidh mara a tha ùr-ghnàthach agus seasmhach, a bheir taic do choimhearsnachdan costail agus a chuireas ri rùintean cothromachadh-carboin na h-Alba. Tha seo a’ gabhail a-steach taic do: 

• dh’iomairtean beaga agus meadhanach mòr, gus an leasaich iad an cuid chleachdaichean gu bhith nas seasmhaiche 

• phròiseactan do leasachadh bun-structair, mar eisimpleir aig Cala Bhaile nam Frisealach, airson gnothachasan mara ionadail agus a’ choimhearsnachd air fad fhàgail nas seasmhaiche, agus airson taic a chumail ri leasachaidhean àrainneachdail air a’ chala. 

Tha sinn a’ cuideachadh le bhith a’ riaghladh agus a’ toirt prìomh mhaoineachadh do Stòras Leasachadh Àrainneachd Mara na h-Alba (SMEEF). Faodaidh daoine a chleachdas uisgeachan na h-Alba cur ris an stòras le an toil fhèin, ’s iad ag ath-thasgadh ann an slàinte agus bith-iomadachd nam marannan againn. Bhon Chèitean 2022, tha SMEEF air còrr is £3.8m a thoirt do 54 pròiseact eadar-dhealaichte, brosnachail air feadh Alba, nam measg pròiseactan airson cuidhteas fhaighinn de ghnèithean sgaoilteach ann an eileanan Linne Foirthe, airson gàrradh ùr-ghnàthach a chur air bhog ann an Abhainn Chluaidh, agus airson bilearach-mara a thoirt air ais ann an Loch Chreiginis agus Arcaibh. 

Cùis sgrùdaidh 4: Buannachdan coimhearsnachd bho chumhachd gaoithe aig muir 

Ann an Alba, tha cumhachd gaoithe aig muir na cothrom mòr airson na h-eaconamaidhean ionadail, sgìreil agus nàiseanta againn fhàs, sàr-dhreuchdan uaine, ùra a chruthachadh agus buannachdan a lìbhrigeadh dha na coimhearsnachdan againn. 

Tro chuairtean ScotWind agus INTOG leis an tèid grunnd na mara a thoirt air mhàl le Oighreachd Crùin na h-Alba, agus tro phròiseactan eile, tha an cothrom aig Alba air solar a dh’fhaodadh a bhith nas àirde na 40 GW de chumhachd gaoithe aig muir. Chluicheadh seo pàirt mhòr anns a’ chothrom a th’ ann air feadh an t-saoghail air cumhachd gaoithe aig muir. Tha pròiseactan Albannach cuideachd deatamach do mhisean Riaghaltas na Rìoghachd Aonaichte an t-amas Clean Power 2030 a libhrigeadh, agus do thargaidean nas fharsainge a th’ aig Riaghaltasan na Rìoghachd Aonaichte agus na h-Alba gus cothromachadh-carboin a ruigsinn. 

Leis an stiùireadh a bheir sinn seachad, ’s e stèidhichte air Prionnsapalan Deagh Chleachdaidh, tha sinn a’ brosnachadh luchd-leasachaidh gu bhith a’ tabhann bhuannachdan coimhearsnachd agus cothroman air sealbh coitcheann mar fheart àbhaisteach de gach pròiseact cumhachd ath-nuadhachail. Tha buannachdan coimhearsnachd nan cothrom do dhaoine buannachdan a’ ghoireis cumhachd a cho-roinn, agus faodaidh buaidhean sòisealta agus eaconamach maireannach a thighinn bhuapa. Tha aon eisimpleir dheth ri fhaicinn gu h-ìosal. 

Maoin Coimhearsnachd Beatrice 

Stèidhich an iomairt Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm Ltd maoin buannachd coimhearsnachd ri linn togail a’ phròiseict 588 MW, airson taic a thoirt do choimhearsnachdan costail Ghallaibh, Chataibh agus Mhoireibh. 

Dhùin pròiseas-iarrtais na Maoin san Ògmhios 2023, ’s £6 millean air a thoirt seachad thar 361 pròiseact, nam measg taic do 73 dreuchd dhùthchail agus leasachaidhean air 64 goireas coimhearsnachd. Tha rannsachadh air buaidh shòisealta air sealltainn gun deach £3.21 de luach na b’ fharsainge a chruthachadh leis gach not a chaidh a thasgadh le Maoin Com-pàirteachais Beatrice. Tha leasachaidhean air an leathad cur air bhog ann an Neig, agus an drochaid ùr gu Tràigh an Ear ann an Inbhir Losaidh, nan eisimpleirean de phròiseactan a fhuair taic. 

Gus a bhith cinnteach gun tig toraidhean seasmhach, susbainteach bho bhuannachdan coimhearsnachd, ’s iad nan cuideachadh dhuinn le eadar-ghluasad cothromach, reusanta gu cothromachadh-carboin, tha sinn a’ gabhail os làimh ath-sgrùdadh air an stiùireadh againn a tha stèidhichte air Prionnsapalan Deagh Chleachdaidh. Tha seo a’ gabhail a-steach co-chomhairleachadh poblach a thàinig gu crìoch sa Ghiblean 2025, còmhla ri conaltradh ri coimhearsnachdan, gnìomhachas, agus luchd-ùidhe poblach agus na treas roinn. Gu h-iomlan, thèid an fhianais seo a chleachdadh gus an stiùireadh againn ùrachadh. 

A’ cleachdadh fianais: Na h-ath-sgrùdaidhean air litreachas mu eadar-ghluasad cothromach airson na mara 

Mar phàirt dhen dòigh-obrach againn a th’ air a stiùireadh le fianais, tha sinn air ath-sgrùdaidhean a dhèanamh air an litreachas mu dheidhinn eadar-ghluasad cothromach airson roinnean na mara agus coimhearsnachdan costail. 

Le bhith a’ dèanamh ath-sgrùdaidhean litreachais tha Riaghaltas na h-Alba a’ toirt seachad mion-rannsachadh siostamataigeach air an rannsachadh is fianais a tha mu thràth ann a thaobh chuspairean eadar-dhealaichte. Thèid seo an uair sin a chleachdadh gus fios a chur ri poileasaidh agus cleachdadh an Riaghaltais. Thèid na h-ath-sgrùdaidhean a chleachdadh gus staid an eòlais an-dràsta a thuigsinn, beàrnan ann am fianais aithneachadh, agus taic a chumail ri leasachadh phoileasaidhean a tha stèidhichte air fianais. 

Literature Review on a Marine Just Transition: UK and International Comparator Countries – gov.scot 

Bidh sinn a’ beachdachadh air toraidhean an ath-sgrùdaidh litreachais, ’s sinn ag ionnsachadh bhuapa. Gabhaidh seo a-steach beachdachadh air beàrnan rannsachaidh far am b’ urrainnear tuigse nas fheàrr fhaighinn air na dùbhlain agus buannachdan a tha an lùib an eadar-ghluasaid aithneachadh  còmhla ri daoine agus gnothachasan. 

Tha an t-ath-sgrùdadh a’ comharrachadh cuid dhe na molaidhean a tha mar-thà anns an litreachas agus a dh’fhaodadh a bhith feumail airson atharrachaidhean sam bith fhàgail nas cothromaiche do choimhearsnachdan costail agus do roinnean mara na h-Alba agus na Rìoghachd Aonaichte air fad. Tha seo a’ gabhail a-steach cothroman air conaltradh agus com-pàirteachadh a leasachadh, comas an luchd-ùidhe air com-pàirteachadh a leasachadh, gum faigh com-pàirtichean èisteachd, agus gun tèid cothroman air co-riaghladh a leasachadh. 

Tha an obair poileasaidh agus conaltraidh a rinn sinn gu ruige seo air tòrr dhuilgheadasan aithneachadh mar-thà bhon fheadhainn a chaidh a chomharrachadh anns na h-ath-sgrùdaidhean litreachais. Rinneadh adhartas mòr airson conaltradh agus com-pàirteachadh a leasachadh ann an cruthachadh phoileasaidhean mara, mar eisimpleir ann an cruthachadh a’ PhMN2, agus airson dòighean-obrach co-riaghlaidh a neartachadh, gu h-àraid a thaobh riaghladh  ghrunndan iasgaich faisg air a’ chladach. Tha cleachdaidhean iasgaich dlùth an dàimh ri ceanglaichean eachdraidheil, cultarail agus sòisealta ris a’ mhuir, gu h-àraid ann an coimhearsnachdan costail, agus sin an t-adhbhar a tha sinn fhathast a’ toirt seachad maoineachadh tro Stòras Mara na h-Alba. 

Na nì sinn a-nis 

Tha feum ann air com-pàirteachasan maireannach thar gach roinn, agus le gnothachasan agus coimhearsnachdan, airson eadar-ghluasad cothromach do mharannan agus muinntir na h-Alba a lìbhrigeadh.   

Cumaidh sinn oirnn le bhith: 

• ag obair ann an com-pàirteachadh airson poileasaidhean a leasachadh, ’s cuid dhiubh a’ cumail taic ri grunndan iasgaich agus tuathanachas-uisge seasmhach, ’s cuid eile a’ dìon agus ag ath-nuadhachadh àrainneachd na mara againn 

• a’ cur an sàs dòighean-obrach nar cuid obrach a bhios stèidhichte air eadar-ghluasad cothromach, airson piseach a thoirt air cruthachadh phoileasaidhean tro cho-obrachadh, com-pàirteachadh agus air bun-stèidh fianais 

• a’ cumail taic ri pròiseactan a thèid a lìbhrigeadh leis na com-pàirtichean againn airson eadar-ghluasad cothromach do mharannan agus muinntir na h-Alba a bhrosnachadh. 

Tha eadar-ghluasad cothromach na chòmhradh leantainneach, agus feumaidh sinn uile a bhith an sàs airson an t-slighe air adhart a cho-dhùnadh anns na mìosan, na bliadhnaichean agus na deicheadan ri teachd. Tha sinn a’ dèanamh fiughair ri bhith ag obair còmhla ribh gus dèiligeadh ris an dùbhlan a tha romhainn ann a bhith a’ glèidheadh àm ri teachd seasmhach dha na marannan againn. Tha sinn airson seo a dhèanamh ann an dòigh a bhios buannachdail dhan a h-uile neach a th’ air dachaigh a dhèanamh dha fhèin ann an Alba, agus a nì anns na bliadhnaichean ri teachd. 

The post A’ cumail taic ri eadar-ghluasad cothromach do mharannan agus muinntir na h-Alba  appeared first on Marine.

They play a crucial role in tackling the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. Healthy seas provide habitats for marine life, absorb carbon and heat, as well as provide us with seafood and the opportunity to harness renewable energy.   

Our seas support marine businesses and provide an important source of income and employment across Scotland, particularly in rural and island communities. They are also a strong part of our cultural heritage and national identity.    

However, there are many pressures on our seas. Without halting and reversing the decline in the health of our marine environment, we risk our ability to maximise economic and social benefits from our marine resources now and in the future.     

To secure long-term benefits for businesses, people and nature in line with Scotland’s Blue Economy vision we need to transform the way we use the marine environment. We also need to manage this transformation in a way that is fair and just.   

For the Scottish Government a just transition is about both the outcome – a fairer, greener future for all – and the way we get there – in partnership with those most likely to be affected. It is about making sure that we become a net zero, nature positive and climate resilient nation, in a way that addresses inequalities and embraces new opportunities.  

As part of this commitment, it’s vital that we work together to ensure a bright future for Scotland’s seas. That means a future where all marine sectors are sustainable, profitable and working alongside nature, and where the rural and coastal communities that depend on them are thriving.    

This blog post provides some examples of what we are doing to support a just transition for Scotland’s seas and people. It also provides an update on what we will do next.  

What we are doing   

We are working with marine sectors and coastal communities to ensure a sustainable future for Scotland’s seas for the benefit of everyone in Scotland. Here are just a few case studies of what this looks like in practice:   

Case study 1: marine planning  

We are developing a new national marine plan for Scotland’s seas which will replace the current National Marine Plan (2015). Our National Marine Plan 2 (NMP2) will support sustainable development of our seas, protect our marine environment and deliver for our coastal communities.   

We are committed to developing the NMP2 in a way that is using a just transition approach, in partnership with those impacted by marine planning. We are doing this by:     

• engaging often and widely, sharing information as it becomes available   

• gathering feedback and views to develop the plan with those who use and depend on our seas  

• building a robust and transparent evidence-base through impact assessments, including a full socio-economic impact assessment. This will identify potential impacts of the NMP2 on marine sectors and communities, and measures that could be built into NMP2 to manage any negative impacts  

• designing NMP2 policy that enables the inclusion of diverse voices into future planning decisions and in the design of solutions for those impacted by change.    

Case study 2: fisheries management     

We are taking steps to improve how fisheries are managed to tackle the biodiversity crisis and identify sustainable economic opportunities.  

We are working with fishers to strengthen sustainable co-management and collaboration. This includes working in partnership with the Fisheries Management and Conservation Group (FMAC), and Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups (RIFGs).   

We are also developing a more responsive approach to inshore fisheries management. This will support the delivery of locally appropriate fisheries management solutions through a co-management approach.  

The development of fisheries management measures for marine protected areas and priority marine features has been done in close development with stakeholders. We have undertaken online and face to face meetings with the fishing industry representatives and individual fishers frequently. We have also held national public consultations on the  impact of priority marine features (PMF) and marine protected areas (MPA) management measures. As part of the socio-economic impact assessments we carried out in person local events to understand the potential local and social impacts of proposed fisheries management measures.  We will continue to work closely with communities to help them to achieve the potential economic, social, cultural and biodiversity benefits of a protected marine environment. We will ensure their voices are heard at a local level.  

Case study 3: funding    

The Just Transition Fund (JTF) is a £500 million ten-year commitment supporting projects in the North East and Moray. We launched a new bidding round worth up to £8.5m for 2025-26, and allocated a further £7.4 million to existing projects.  

In addition, we are providing funding to support innovation in our marine sectors and to help achieve sustainable management of Scotland’s seas.    

Marine Fund Scotland has awarded over £55m since 2021, to support projects that contribute to an innovative and sustainable marine economy, support coastal communities, and contribute to Scotland’s net zero ambitions. This includes support for:  

• small and medium enterprises to diversify to sustainable practices   

• infrastructure improvement projects such as at Fraserburgh Harbour to strengthen the resilience of local marine businesses and the wider community, and to support environmental enhancements to the harbour.   

We help manage and provide core funding for the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF). Users of Scottish waters are able to voluntarily contribute to the fund and  re-invest in the health and biodiversity of our seas. Since May 2022, SMEEF has awarded over £3.8m to 54 varied and exciting projects across Scotland, including removing invasive species on the islands of the Forth, establishing an innovative floating garden in the Clyde, and restoring seagrass in Loch Craignish and Orkney.  

Case study 4: offshore wind community benefits   

Scotland’s offshore wind offers a significant opportunity to grow our local, regional and national economies, support new high-quality green jobs, and deliver benefits for our communities.   

Through Crown Estate Scotland’s ScotWind and INTOG leasing rounds – as well as other projects – Scotland has the opportunity to deliver a potential pipeline of over 40 GW of offshore wind, making a significant contribution to the global floating wind capacity overall. Scottish projects are also mission-critical to the delivery of the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 ambition, as well as wider UK and Scottish Government net zero targets. 

Through our Good Practice Principles guidance, we encourage developers to offer community benefits and shared ownership opportunities as standard on all renewable energy projects. Community benefits provide an opportunity to share in the benefits of the energy resource and can have lasting social and economic impacts. One example of that is provided below.  

The Beatrice Community Fund    

Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm Ltd established a community benefit fund during construction of the 588 MW project to support the coastal communities of Caithness, Sutherland and Moray.  

The Fund closed for applications in June 2023 having provided £6 million across 361 projects, including supporting 73 rural jobs and the enhancement of 64 community assets. Social impact research has shown that for every £1 invested by the Beatrice Partnership Fund, £3.21 in wider value was generated. Examples of projects supported include improvements to the ferry slipway at Nigg and the new East Beach Bridge at Lossiemouth.  

To ensure that community benefits deliver sustainable, meaningful outcomes and help support our just and fair transition to net zero we are undertaking a review of our Good Practice Principles guidance. This includes a public consultation, which closed in April 2025, alongside engagement with communities, industry and public and third sector stakeholders. Together, this evidence will inform a refresh of our guidance. 

Using evidence: the marine just transition literature reviews   

As part of our evidence-led approach, we have produced literature reviews on the topic of just transition for marine sectors and coastal communities.    

Scottish Government literature reviews are systematic analyses of existing research and evidence on topics to inform policy and practice. They are used to understand the current state of knowledge, identify gaps in evidence, and support the development of evidence-based policies.    

You can read the literature review here: Literature Review on a Marine Just Transition: UK and International Comparator Countries – gov.scot 

We are already putting in place some of the learning as demonstrated in the case studies above, and we will consider and learn from the literature review’s findings. This will include considering gaps in research that might help us better realise the challenges and benefits of the transition together with people and business.    

The review highlights some of the suggestions in the existing literature that could help make any changes fairer for coastal communities and marine sectors in Scotland. These include continuing to develop and improve engagement and participation opportunities to bring in a greater range of coastal and island voices and experiences, and to continue to improve co-management opportunities.  

Our policy work and engagement to date has already identified many of the issues highlighted in the literature reviews. Significant progress has been made to improve engagement and participation in marine policymaking, such as in the development of the NMP2, and to strengthen co-management approaches particularly in relation to inshore fisheries management. Fishing practices are closely linked to historical, cultural and social connections to the sea, particularly in coastal communities, and that is why we continue to provide funding through the MFS.  

What we will do next   

Lasting partnerships across all sectors and with business and communities is needed for a just transition for Scotland’s seas and people.    

We will continue to:   

• work in partnership to develop policies to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, and policies to protect and restore our marine environment  

• embed just transition approaches in all our work to improve collaborative, participatory and evidence-led policy development   

• support projects being delivered by our partners to promote a just transition for Scotland’s seas and people 

Just transition is an ongoing conversation, and we all need to be involved to shape how we get there, in the months, years and decades ahead. We are excited to work with you to meet the challenge of ensuring a sustainable future for our seas.  We want to do this in a way that can benefit all who call Scotland home now, and in all the years to come. 

The post Supporting a just transition for Scotland’s seas and people     appeared first on Marine.

This follows a legal challenge to the closures – which were announced in March 2024 – brought by the EU under the terms of the EU-UK Trade and Co-operation Agreement.

Mairi Gougeon said:

“This is an extremely positive ruling, especially with respect to the closure in Scottish waters where all claims have been successfully defended. As such, the prohibition of sandeel fishing in Scottish waters will remain in place.

“Protecting our marine ecosystem is vital to Scotland’s environment, and to the people and communities who rely on it. The ruling reaffirms the appropriateness of the actions we took last year to do just that.

“The prohibition of sandeel fishing in Scottish waters has the potential to provide long term sustainability and resilience to the marine ecosystem, as well as bringing about potential benefits to sandeel, seabirds, marine mammals and other fish species.

“This outcome, with respect to Scottish waters, reflects the robust, evidence-based and transparent public consultation and processes that the Scottish Government has in place.”

Professor Mark Inall, Chief Scientific Advisor, Marine, added:

“Robust scientific evidence is a cornerstone to building good policy. The Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate staff played a key role in both developing the evidence base and providing clear and coherent explanation of how that evidence supports the Scottish Government’s position. Today’s announcement underlines the vital role played by marine science in making internationally watertight policy.”

Background

The final ruling and further information can be found on the PCA’s case page

On 26 March 2024 the Sandeel (Prohibition of Fishing) (Scotland) Order 2024 came into force, which closed all Scottish waters to fishing for sandeel, for all vessels. In parallel the UK Government closed English waters of the North Sea through a licence condition.

On 16 April the EU initiated consultations with the UK under article 738 of the Trade and Co-operation Agreement (TCA). This was challenging decisions made by both the Scottish Government and UK Government regarding closing fishing for sandeel on the basis that the EU claimed that they were in breach of the TCA.

The TCA mechanism for resolving disputes has three stages: 1. Consultations; 2. Arbitration; and 3. Compliance.

Formal consultations took place between the EU and UK in Brussels on 21 and 22 May 2024. Following this, on Friday 25 October 2024, the EU requested the establishment of an arbitration tribunal to examine the sandeel closures in both Scottish and English waters in light of specified TCA provisions, to determine conformity with those provisions and issue a ruling.

A hearing took place in front of the arbitration tribunal from 28-30 January 2025.

The post Rural Affairs Secretary welcomes sandeel arbitration ruling appeared first on Marine.

The UK-Faroe agreement sets out quota exchanges which will allow UK vessels to fish key species in Faroese waters. This includes quotas for cod, haddock, and saithe at similar levels to the 2024 agreement in exchange for stocks including Greenland halibut, North Sea haddock and Western blue ling.

This is the final in a suite of negotiations which will provide over £600 million of fishing opportunities to Scottish fishers in 2025.

United Kingdom and Faroe Islands fisheries consultations: agreed record for 2025 – gov.scot

The post Faroe fisheries agreement delivers for Scotland’s fishing industry for 2025 appeared first on Marine.

Plankton – microscopic plants and animals that live in the water – form the base of the marine food web, supporting all marine life. They are a vital food source for shellfish and fish larvae, including commercially important species that contribute to Scotland’s Blue Economy.  The Marine Directorate runs the Scottish Coastal Observatory (SCObs), an environmental monitoring programme that has tracked plankton in Scottish waters for over 25 years.

Understanding Plankton Changes and Their Impact

Assessments of the marine environment in Northeast Atlantic waters have revealed concerning changes in the plankton community over the last six decades. In 2023, the plankton community in marine waters was assessed as being in not good status.

Some plankton groups can form harmful algal blooms (HABs) which can negatively affect the aquaculture industry and the marine environment. The aquaculture industry is seeking real-time early warning mechanisms to help develop management actions to reduce impacts from these blooms.

Combining Traditional and Modern Techniques

Standard plankton monitoring relies on expert taxonomic analysts who identify, classify and count the plankton in samples from long-term monitoring programmes. These methods allow scientist to compare data over long time periods and across different research institutes worldwide.

New technologies, such as automated imaging systems and molecular methods, offer the potential to improve our understanding of the plankton community.  Automated imaging machines can sample and identify selected plankton while molecular techniques analyse DNA or RNA to detect the species present in a sample. These new methods are not yet integrated into routine monitoring programmes in Scottish waters.

A recent study by  Holland et al. 2025 highlighted the need to establish clear pathways for validating these new technologies. For them to be effective, traditional taxonomic skills must be maintained and developed. However, there is currently a global shortage of scientists with these specialist skills, which raises concerns about future monitoring capacity.

Collaboration for Effective Innovation

Successfully integrating new technologies requires collaboration between policymakers, scientists and industry. These innovations often need expertise in engineering, advanced computing, and molecular analysis to ensure their effectiveness in real world monitoring.

One example is the trial of the Imaging Flow Cytobot (IFCB) in Shetland. This initiative involves government, academia, industry and other stakeholders working together to test IFCB technology. The goal is to provide an early warning of HABs at a Scottish Seafood site at Cole Deep and the Scottish Coastal Observatory monitoring site at Scalloway.

Moving Forward: Innovation with Expertise

As new monitoring technologies emerge, it is crucial to retain human expertise until automated systems are fully developed.  True innovation intelligently builds on the wisdom of the past. Training semi-automated identification systems requires expert application of hard-learnt human skill.  By merging time-tested techniques with cutting-edge technologies, we can develop solutions that are highly effective in tackling today’s ever mounting challenges in the face of global climate change. A salutary lesson here is to maintain human expertise until automated systems are fully trained, or risk falling down the gap: Mind the Gap, indeed!

The post Monitoring Microscopic Marine Life – Bridging Traditional and Modern Identification Methods appeared first on Marine.

This year’s Symposium is again free to attend and will take place online over four days. We’re also pleased to announce that you can join us in-person or online at our hybrid day on Wednesday 26 February at the Stirling Court Hotel, Stirling!

We’re delighted to be welcoming the Minister for Climate Action, Dr Alasdair Allan, to open the symposium on 25 February. The event showcases the latest ground-breaking research funded by the Scottish Government and our collaborators to improve the evidence base around how offshore renewable energy developments may affect our natural environment and other users of the sea.

The event also includes updates on projects from the Offshore Renewables Joint Industry Programme (ORJIP), ECOWind, Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) Programme and other international research programmes. The four day event will present evidence on topics such as seabirds, marine mammals, fish and socioeconomics.

Last year’s event attracted over 1000 registered attendees from 30 different countries. You can catch up on talks from the 5th and 6th Symposium on the Marine Directorate YouTube.

Take a look at what’s on at the upcoming ScotMER Symposium and book your free place now!

About ScotMER
ScotMER is a Scottish Government initiative that identifies and addresses key evidence needs to help inform licensing, consenting and planning decisions concerning offshore renewable developments.

The Scottish Government has committed to investing up to £3.2 million per year until 2026/27 into research that will be delivered through the ScotMER programme, improving the scientific evidence base that is key to delivering ScotWind. ScotMER supports the Scottish Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2045 and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy.

Receptor Groups
 The ScotMER programme has seven receptor groups shown in the image below. Members consist of a range of external and internal stakeholders from across government (marine science, planning and licensing), statutory nature conservation bodies (e.g. NatureScot), academia, industry, as well as environmental charities.

Receptor groups image

Receptor groups identify and prioritise key evidence gaps in our knowledge and understanding of the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of marine renewables. These gaps are captured on evidence maps available on the Scottish Government website.

Research
The ScotMER programme takes forward high priority research projects based on the evidence gaps identified by the receptor groups.

In the last year ScotMER has published eight research reports on the Scottish Government website. The programme currently has a range of active and upcoming research projects investigating issues across the ecosystem and socioeconomics.

Communication
The ScotMER programme communicates project outputs to key decision makers across Scottish Government, as well as external stakeholders such as NatureScot, industry (developers and fishing), the academic community, and environmental charities.

ScotMER presents at a range of conferences and collaborates with stakeholders across Scotland, the UK and internationally. This coordinated approach enables the exploration of joint funding opportunities, cooperation across national boundaries and the development of new evidence to inform future decision-making.

The post Seventh Annual ScotMER Symposium announced appeared first on Marine.