Sandeel fishing consultation: data protection impact assessment

6. Questions to identify data protection issues

6.1 Necessity

The only personal data that is required to be submitted in order to complete the consultation is the respondent's email address, and whether they are responding as an individual or an organisation. Collecting a respondent's email address allows a confirmation of the consultation response to be sent, as well as a way for the respondent to access their response and change their answers whilst the consultation period is underway.

6.2 Proportionality

Collection of email addresses is a minimally intrusive method of associating a response to an individual or an organisation. It also provides a service to respondents, who can revisit their submission and make amendments until the consultation closes.

6.3 Justification

The consultation will help shape policy on the potential closure of sandeel fisheries in Scottish waters. Sandeels play a key role within the food web and by closing the fishery, the stock will be protected. Given the important of sandeel, closure of the sandeel fishery has the potential to bring about wide benefits to a range of species, including seabirds impacted by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), that will improve their resilience to changes in the marine environment.