A Review of the Scottish Scallop Fishery UK

Marine Scotland - Project Dates:
September 2013 - December 2013

Description of Project:
The aim of this project was to provide Ministers with a body of evidence to inform decisions on the future management of scallop (Pecten maximus) fishing which will meet the Scottish Government’s aims of sustainable economic growth through a more productive and efficient fishing sector which supports solidarity and cohesion in Scottish communities.

Services Provided:

Poseidon delivered the following:

• Analyse the challenges and opportunities facing the Scottish Scallop fishery and recommend policy responses;
• Consider the health of scallop stocks and the level of fishing pressure currently applied;
• Assess the impact of scallop fishing on other users of the marine environment e.g. other fishing gears, disturbance of benthic habitats etc;
• Assess the financial health of Scottish businesses prosecuting scallop stocks;
• Assess the current and potential future impact of restrictions on access to scallop grounds (closed areas, MPAs, offshore renewables, aquaculture development, etc.);
• Review the available evidence related to onshore activities such as processing and on the impacts on employment and communities;
• Consider the operation and impact of the current management regime and alternative scenarios.