Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI): call for evidence

Part 5 – Governance & Co-management

When we talk about governance, we are referring to the structures in place to advise, discuss and be accountable to Scottish Ministers in the process of making decisions.

When we talk about co-management, we are referring to strategic decision making and a shared responsibility for management and delivery whilst respecting the ultimate accountability of Scottish Ministers to the Scottish Parliament and the general public.

Scottish Ministers are responsible for fisheries management in Scotland. Evidence shows that stakeholder-driven solutions can improve inshore fisheries management, and this Call for Evidence would like to explore how co-management principles could be incorporated into the heart of inshore fisheries governance. We recognise there are a lot of voices in the inshore fisheries landscape, each bringing different expertise, technical knowledge and experience. We are therefore interested to hear how these different voices should play a role in fisheries management at both a national and regional level.

Questions

For the following questions, please supply evidence or information that supports your reasoning where possible.

13. What stakeholder groups should be involved and how should each feed into development of inshore fisheries management measures?

14. What checks should be put in place to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability when appraising inshore fisheries management options?