Partial Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment (North West Waters) - Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Offshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)

Competition Assessment

In addition to looking at the impact on individual firms, it is important to consider the impact that a regulation or policy might have on competition between firms. The overall aim of the competition assessment is to find a policy approach which encourages competition within the market, subject to achieving the wider policy objectives.

The sector most likely to be directly impacted by proposed measures is the commercial fishing industry. Both management options would place spatial and gear specific restrictions across the specified protected areas. The introduction of fisheries management measures may lead to competitive disadvantage for commercial fisheries actively operating within a given spatial area, potentially restricting the output capacity of the sector. However, given that as an activity is likely to be displaced instead of lost, these impacts are negligible. It is not expected that the distribution of additional costs will be skewed towards smaller entrants relative to larger existing suppliers.

• Will the measure directly or indirectly limit the number or range of suppliers?

No. It is unlikely that the introduction of the fisheries management measures outlined will directly limit the number or range of suppliers.

• Will the measure limit the ability of suppliers to compete?

Limited / No Impact. The introduction of fisheries management measures could affect the spatial location of commercial fisheries activity and may restrict the output capacity of this sector. However, restrictions on fishing locations may well be negated by displacement i.e. vessels fishing elsewhere. It is not expected that the distribution of additional costs will be skewed towards smaller entrants relative to larger existing suppliers.

• Will the measure limit suppliers' incentives to compete vigorously?

No. The introduction of fisheries management measures is not expected to reduce suppliers’ incentives to compete vigorously.

• Will the measure limit the choices and information available to consumers?

No. There will be no discernible impact on the average consumer.