Future fisheries: management strategy - 2020 to 2030

Support for the Fishing Sector

We will seek to support the delivery of this strategy through post-EU exit assistance for the marine sector and associated communities, as part of our development of a Blue Economy approach. We want to look horizontally and holistically across marine sectors (industry and environment) and seek to deliver economic, social, ecosystem and environmental benefits from joined-up actions arising from the connections and partnerships to be made between sectors in areas such as skills, science, innovation, infrastructure, regulation, natural capital and the drive to net zero carbon emissions. By facilitating investment, jobs and opportunities in marine industries and public sector investment will also help build thriving and vibrant coastal communities.

The 3 agreed investment priorities for the Blue Economy Action Plan, which are based on evidence around market failures and the current weaknesses and opportunities in the marine economy are:

1. Delivering a low carbon Blue Economy which contributes to our climate change targets.

2. Contributing to an innovative, globally competitive, sustainable Blue Economy with quality jobs, fair work and a safe working environment for its participants.

3. Fair and inclusive growth that maximises opportunities for people and communities in Scotland.

Supported investment will deliver against agreed outcomes:

Overarching/public good

• Supporting collaboration, partnerships, knowledge and technical expertise which enable better decision making, regulation, science and innovation.
• Enhancing the marine environment and ecosystems, including quality, reputation and marine products.
• Reductions in emissions and support for the drive to net zero.
• Removal of waste.

Supply chain/marketing

• Fairer and greener supply chains.
• Developing direct selling and new and existing markets which deliver sustainable economic benefits.
• Matching processing and supply chain capacity with landings and production capacity.

Sectoral/Community outcomes

• Development and delivery of training including safety and sectoral training.
• Promoting fair work and opportunities for new entrants to the seafood and marine sectors.
• Improving marine infrastructure.
• Diversification projects which enhance marine tourism, marine energy, sea fisheries and/or aquaculture sectors or coastal communities.
• Improving resilience and capability, including that of communities, supply chains and businesses.