Scotland's Future and Scottish Fisheries

Key questions about Scottish fishing

How will Scotland become an independent member of the European Union?

Following a vote for independence the Scottish Government will immediately enter into negotiations with the UK Government and EU Member States to ensure that an independent Scotland achieves a smooth and timely transition to independent membership of the EU. Scotland will negotiate the terms of membership of the EU during the period we are still part of the UK and, therefore, still part of the EU.

A potential scenario whereby the vessels of 12 EU Member States would lose access to fishing opportunities in Scotland's waters - the fourth largest and among the richest of the core waters of the EU - cannot be seriously entertained.

We are proposing a practical, common sense approach to membership, which means that there will be no detriment to any other member of the European Union as a result of Scotland's continued membership.

How will an independent Scotland's interests be prioritised at the Council of Ministers for Agriculture and Fisheries?

Independence will give Scotland its own voice in Europe, participating at every level in the EU policy process and ensuring the Scottish Government is able to promote and protect Scotland's national interests in EU affairs. Fishing and agriculture are important sectors of the Scottish economy and will be priority areas for negotiation in the EU.

How will Scotland's fishing quotas be determined following independence?

Following a vote for independence, the Scottish Government will enter into negotiations with the rest of the UK and with the EU institutions to fully define our fishing rights and other key issues. At present, Scotland's fishing opportunities are provided for in a concordat among the UK nations, which gives Scotland a share of UK quotas. It will be in the interests of both Scotland and the rest of the UK to agree an appropriate and fair set of final allocations so that the normal fishing practices of each nation can continue unaffected.

Will the management of Scotland's quotas be any different in an independent Scotland?

Independence will stop Scottish-held quotas being permanently transferred out of Scotland to other parts of the UK. This is because EU rules do not allow permanent transfers of this nature from one Member State to another. An independent Scotland will therefore be able to retain its quotas for the benefit of its own fishermen.

Will Scottish fishing fleets still be able to declare their catch in England?

Yes. Fishing vessels often land their catch in different countries and independence will make no difference to this.

Will vessels from other EU Member States, including the rest of the UK, still be able to fish in Scottish waters and vice versa?

Beyond 12 nautical miles, the EU's Common Fisheries Policy provides any Member State's vessels with access to all Member States' waters. However they can only fish in waters where they have fishing opportunities (quotas).

Within 12 nautical miles, we would expect to agree with other Member States that vessels from other Member States (including the rest of the UK) with historic fishing rights should be able to continue fishing in Scottish waters, and vice versa.

How will independence affect Scotland's relationship with the European Common Fisheries Policy ( CFP)?

As an independent Member State Scotland will be negotiating as one of the foremost and most respected fishing nations in Europe. This status will give Scotland the opportunity to take a leadership role in driving reforms to the CFP and in negotiating annual fishing opportunities within the framework of the CFP. The government of an independent Scotland will be able to negotiate unequivocally for Scottish priorities without having to dilute these in order to suit wider UK objectives.

How will maritime services be delivered in an independent Scotland? What will change in maritime functions with independence?

Scotland has approximately 60% of the seas and coastline of Great Britain. However, the essential maritime institutions (the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Northern Lighthouse Board and Marine Accident Investigation Branch) are currently controlled by Westminster. The Scottish Government currently has no say in how these essential services are delivered, and there are other areas of impact on the industry such as tax and the borders agency.

Independence will let Scotland shape and develop maritime services that reflect our unique coastline and give the people who use our seas the support they need. The Scottish Government intends that the Maritime and Coastguard Agency will continue to provide its services for the safety of mariners. It also plans that the Northern Lighthouse Board and Marine Accident Investigation Branch will continue its role unchanged in an independent Scotland, funded by existing arrangements for the collection of light dues at Scottish ports through Trinity House.

It will then be for future governments of an independent Scotland to look at how these services would be provided in the years ahead. This may, if appropriate, include developing a distinct Scottish organisation to deliver some or all of these functions.

Scottish Government
August 2014

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