Trial mackerel inshore fishery 2014-2017: review

Introduction

In 2014, the Scottish Government launched a trial of expanded mackerel fisheries in Scotland's inshore waters. Its intention was; to provide more opportunities for inshore fishermen to expand and diversify; to encourage new entrants; to examine the potential for more low impact fisheries and; to widen the benefits from quota to local communities around the coast. The four year (2014-2017) trial is almost complete and the Scottish Government is considering the impacts of the trial and seeking views on the future of the inshore mackerel fishery. Consultation questions are contained within the document and listed in Annex 1. Information about how to respond to the consultation is contained in Annex 2.

In each of the past four years 10 metre and under (10mu) vessels in the non-sector have had access to approximately 1,000 tonnes of North Sea mackerel and 300 tonnes of West of Scotland mackerel, for which Scottish Government has managed access and monitored uptake of the stocks. Key features of the arrangement have been open access to the fisheries for all 10mu non-sector licences and the return of unutilised quota to the Scottish sector via Producer Organisations.

A decision on the future of this fishery will be taken early in 2018 following the close of the consultation.