The North and East Coast RIFG covers the area between Durness on the north coast and all the east coast down to Burnmouth close to the border with England.

The Group was established in April 2016 and succeeds the Moray Firth & North Coast Inshore Fisheries Group and East Coast Inshore Fisheries Group, that were in place from 2013 to 2016.

The North West Coast RIFG covers from Cape Wrath in the north to Ardnamurchan Point, including the Inner Hebrides and Firth of Clyde.

Prior to January 2023 this area was covered by the West Coast RIFG.

The South West RIFG covers from Ardnamurchan Point to the national border with England in the Solway Firth.

Prior to January 2023 this area was covered by the West Coast RIFG.

The Outer Hebrides RIFG covers inshore waters from the baselines between the Butt of Lewis and Barra Head, as well as the sea out from St Kilda, the Flannan Isles, North Rona and Sula Sgeir.

As from January 2023 a standalone RIFG was created for the Orkneys, extending out to 12 miles around the isles.

As from January 2023 a standalone RIFG was created for the Shetland Isles, extending out to 12 miles around the isles and operating separately to, but in close cooperation with, the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO).

The SSMO manage and regulate commercial fisheries for certain shellfish species within 6 miles of the isles, through use of the Shetland Islands Regulating Order.