Orkney Sustainable Fisheries

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Appointment for North West Inshore Fisheries Group Chair

MARINE SCOTLAND – ADVERTISEMENT

Appointment for Orkney Inshore Fisheries Group Chair

American Lobster

If you catch an American Lobster

Fisheries management strategy 2020 to 2030: delivery plan

The delivery plan supports the delivery of outcomes and policies set out in Scotland’s Future Fisheries Strategy and will help stakeholders understand the...

Firth of Clyde cod spawning closure for 2022/23

Results updated 3 Feb 2022Measures to protect spawning cod in the Firth of Clyde will continue in 2022 and 2023, with changes to those previously announced...

An updated marine litter strategy for Scotland

Feedback updated 8 Aug 2022We askedOn 29 December 2021 the Scottish Government published a consultation seeking views on the range of actions that have bee...

Enhancing sustainable fisheries management - Remote Electron...

OverviewThis consultation sets out our overview of Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) and its application across the fishing fleet. The consultation seeks...

Scotland's Future Catching Policy Consultation

OverviewThis consultation seeks the views of stakeholders on Scotland’s Future Catching Policy (FCP), which will establish a new approach to managing sea...

Herring in the Firth of Clyde - setting the total allowable...

Results updated 22 Sep 2022Links:Outcome Report - Consultation on setting the total allowable catch for Herring in the Firth of Clyde 2022Published respons...

Salmon fishing: proposed river gradings for 2023 season

OverviewWe are seeking views on the proposed river gradings for the 2023 fishing season, which have been calculated from the annual assessment of...

Responsible wildlife watching around seals

Scotland is well known for our diverse flora and fauna, both on land and in the sea. Some of the most iconic species seen around our coasts are seals. Scotland...

Joint monitoring of Scottish Marine Protected Areas

Our science colleagues joined with JNCC recently to conduct a monitoring trip of the West Shetland Shelf Marine Protected Area.

Strong public support for offshore wind

The vast majority of people in Scotland believe offshore wind has a vital role to play in Scotland’s future, according to a recent study.

International blue carbon partnerships awarded £10K

Blue carbon experts have been successful in their bids for funding following the launch of the Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge (BCIPC)

What it’s like to be a woman in the Scottish fishing industr...

We have published a new independent report, providing insights on the real life experiences, challenges and opportunities of women working in the Scottish fishi...

Share your views on sustainable fisheries management

The Marine Scotland directorate of the Scottish Government currently has two consultations open as part of the 10-year Future Fisheries Management Strategy to d...

What are Invasive Species?

Invasive non-native species (INNS) are plants and animals that have been introduced by humans, either deliberately or accidentally, from an area outside of thei...

Outer Hebrides fisheries management pilot reports successful...

A locally-led fisheries management pilot for the Outer Hebrides is reporting positive impacts on fishing businesses and the environment in its first year, a new...

Scottish fishing technology adopted as new global standard

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has agreed to adopt a new Scottish-designed fishing technology as the new international standard...

Progressing Scotland’s Leadership on Blue Carbon

The Scottish Government has launched the Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge (BCIPC) today with awards of £10,000 available for up to 5 projects.

First meeting of the Scottish Aquaculture Council

Collaboration to build a sustainable future for aquaculture.

Scottish Shellfish Farm Production Survey 2021

Statistics on the employment, production and value of shellfish from Scottish Shellfish Farms.

Funding to support salmon recovery

Projects aim to bring salmon population back from crisis point.

Support for fishing and coastal communities

Investing in the Blue Economy.

Next steps to improve regulation of aquaculture

Changes to licensing and Ministerial task group set up.

Support for fishing businesses and coastal communities

Next round of funding announced.

Blue Economy Vision launch

Move to make Scotland a global leader in marine management.

Investing in the food and drink sector

Supporting growth and innovation.

World leading fisheries proposals

Striving to make fishing sustainable for future generations

New Fisheries Management Plans - Clyde

PRESS RELEASE

Outer Hebrides fisheries management pilot reports successful...

Blog has now been published:

Outcome of UK and Norway bilateral consultations

Agreed records on both access and quota exchanges of fish stocks between Norway and the UK in 2022 have been signed, following consultations between both nation...

Trilateral fisheries negotiations conclude

The trilateral fisheries negotiations between UK, the EU and Norway have concluded with quotas agreed for a number of shared stocks.

Seaweed report outlines industry options

Sustainability is key to any future development

Conserving Scotland’s marine environment

Two new protected sites in Orkney for vulnerable seabirds.

First stage of aquaculture review complete

Process aims to deliver world-leading legislation

Wild Salmon Strategy Launch

Move to bring salmon population back from crisis point.

New species of soft coral discovered in Scottish waters

Find underlines importance of biodiversity.

Cleaning up Scotland's waters

Views sought on Marine Litter Strategy

Wild salmon tracking project

Initiative seeks to revive fortunes of iconic species.

Supporting Rural Scotland

Range of funding to deliver sustainable communities and protect the environment.

Support for fishing businesses and coastal communities

More than £3 million awarded

UK-Faroe bilateral talks for fishing opportunities in 2022 h...

The UK/Faroe bilateral for 2022 fishing opportunities has now concluded, with agreement on exchanges of fishing opportunities worth an estimated £5 million with...

Targeted and focused approach to strengthen Clyde cod recove...

Measures which have been in place for more than 20 years to protect cod during their spawning season in the Firth of Clyde, will continue in 2022 and 2023 with...

Permanent protection for flapper skate

A consultation has been launched to gather views on making a Marine Protected Area (MPA) which is protecting the critically endangered flapper skate in the Inne...

Seasonal Clyde Cod Spawning Closure (14 February – 30 April)...

Measures to protect spawning cod in the Firth of Clyde for the past 20 years will continue in 2022 and 2023, through the seasonal closure (between 14 February a...

Bilateral agreement on fish stocks reached between EU and UK

UK-EU negotiations have now concluded, with agreement on key shared stocks in the North Sea and West of Scotland sea basins, as well as other coastal waters aro...

Less than one month to go until new export requirements!

Businesses planning to export fishery and aquaculture products for human consumption to the European Union (EU) and Northern Ireland (NI) now have less than a m...

Annual monitoring and sampling with Scotia

Marine Research Vessel (MRV) Scotia’s annual survey monitoring and sampling in the North Sea and the Faroe-Shetland Channel (FSC), has ended just in time for Ch...

Boarding Ladder Guidance

A guide for vessels using rope boarding ladders.

Last chance to take part in our fisheries and climate change...

UPDATE: The deadline to complete the survey has been extended to Tuesday 7 December. If you have an interest in Scottish fisheries and haven’t yet respond...

Trio of young fishers receive funding boost

To coincide with World Fisheries Day we are putting three young fishermen in the spotlight who have each benefitted from a £50,000 grant from the £14 million Ma...

Outcome of the 2021 annual meeting of the North-East Atlanti...

The annual meeting of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) took place 9-12 November, with parties agreeing a number of proposals which aim to en...

Cabinet Secretary announces new blue carbon initiative at in...

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon announces the Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge, which will provide funding for up to five projects in 2022, at a...

Scottish Government welcomes improvements for langoustine se...

The Scottish Government has published its response to the Scottish Nephrops Working Group report, which it commissioned to help the nephrops (langoustine) secto...

Outcome of Coastal states consultation on mackerel, blue whi...

Coastal States consultations have now concluded with agreement on 2022 catch limits for shared pelagic stocks.

Blue Carbon International Policy Challenge

International collaborations to support our seas and oceans.

Surveying the Sponge Belt

Marine Scotland and JNCC have been undertaking the annual MPA monitoring trip in Scottish offshore waters aboard the Marine Research Vessel Scotia.

Collaboration is key for science

Nephrops norvegicus, commonly known as langoustine or Dublin bay prawn, is the second most valuable seafood species landed in Scotland, and was worth over £80 m...

New funding to boost innovative seaweed business

Funding of £600,000 further supports the sustainable development of Scotland’s Blue Economy.

Funding to tackle marine litter

Project sees fishers remove debris from the ocean

New funding adds to range of salmon conservation measures

Scottish Government Responds to Salmon Interactions Working Group Report

Conserving wild salmon

More than £500,000 to study the pressures faced from pollution and climate change.

Funding support for fishing and marine businesses

Announcement comes during Holyrood food and drink debate.

Aquaculture review underway

Professor Russel Griggs appointed to lead project

Funding for fishing sector training and equipment

Support to help keep Scottish fishers safe

Celebrating 25 years of environmental monitoring

The Scottish Coastal Observatory (SCObs) is celebrating its 25th year of monitoring Scottish coastal seas.

Supporting a collaborative approach to tackling marine litte...

During Recycle Week (20-26 September) we are revisiting support the Scottish Government has provided to businesses and projects to enhance the protection, value...

Monitoring plastic beach litter

Beaches in the north east of Scotland were up to six times cleaner between 2019 and 2020 compared to previous surveys in the area, a new scientific paper has fo...

Dronetastic – Mapping Scotland’s seagrass habitats

The Scottish Government through the Scottish Blue Carbon Forum has supported the purchase of a drone for Project Seagrass. The equipment will be used to map Sco...

Resources to reduce river temperatures and protect Atlantic...

River temperature is a critical control on Atlantic salmon populations which are adapted to live in relatively cool water.

An investigation in Scottish coastal waters –  Ocean Acidifi...

By absorbing CO2 from the atmosphere the chemistry of the ocean changes and seawater becomes more acidic - this is known as Ocean Acidification.

Working group sets out improvements for langoustine sector

Recommendations for delivering a profitable, sustainable and fair supply chain for the langoustine (Nephrops) industry have been set out in a new report publish...

New study into significance of Scottish saltmarsh

A new report has highlighted the significance of saltmarsh in Scotland for trapping and storing carbon, and helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The bridge between Fishing and Aquaculture

Press Release

Bereavement Announcement

It is with great sadness we record the passing of Alastair McNeil previous Chair of the WCRIFG.

Understanding behaviour of Northeast Atlantic mackerel

Scientists from Marine Scotland have been involved in a survey sampling mackerel eggs in the Arctic Circle. Four scientists from Marine Scotland, which is the S...

News from our Scotia crew

Colleagues onboard our marine research vessel (MRV) Scotia are nearing the end of their latest survey trip but have made good progress collecting information on...

Use of new technologies to better understand changes in oxyg...

The Scotland’s Marine Assessment 2020 portal provides a range of information on the health of our seas and how to determine the state of marine ecosystems. One...

Calls to extend seafood task force

Rural Affairs Secretary urges UK Government to continue talks

Retain and report American lobster

A campaign has launched to help raise awareness of American lobster.

Investment reducing harbour’s carbon footprint

Improvements to power supplies at Mallaig Harbour will help to reduce its carbon footprint and bring benefits to the fishing fleet, the chief executive of the a...

Lets Talk MS

Marine Ornithologist Rich Howells blogs about his experience of living with Multiple Sclerosis for World MS Day.

The smothering impact of Didemnum vexillum

Didemnum vexillum, commonly known as ‘Carpet Sea-Squirt’,  is an invasive non-native marine organism that is now known to be established in the UK.

Funding the ambitions of young fishers

New entrants to fishing will be able to apply for funding towards the purchase of a second hand fishing vessel.

Invasive Species Week - American lobster info

“Invasive Species Week will take place in the UK this year from 24th – 30th May, and Tuesday 25th covers all things marine.&nbsp...

Guidance for anglers during Coronavirus

Continuing progress to reduce the spread of the coronavirus in Scotland, coupled with the roll-out of the vaccine programme and other measures, means that there...

Scottish anglers wanted for Sea Angling Diary

The Sea Angling Diary Project which is funded by the Scottish Government, UK Government and devolved governments of Wales and Northern Ireland, is encouraging 2...

More funding for seafood sector

New package for hard-hit businesses.

Support for seafood exporters

New posts to help businesses navigate EU Exit processes.

More support needed for seafood sector

Rural Economy Secretary urges UK Government to act quickly.

Brexit deal means drop in key fishing stocks

Scotland’s fishing sector adversely impacted by exit agreement.

Response to agreement to reopen French border

Call to prioritise perishable goods hauliers.

The future of Scotland’s fisheries

New strategy to promote sustainability.

Safeguarding Scotland’s marine environment

New sites to offer protection for iconic species. 

New Live Bivalve Molluscs and Scallop impact survey launches

A survey has been launched by Marine Scotland, to understand the impact of the barrier to trade in exporting Live Bivalve Molluscs (LBM’s) to the European Union...

Additional quota opportunities for Scottish fleet

Scotland will use its share of additional fishing opportunities to deliver quota to active fishers, expand opportunities for the inshore fleet and help reduce b...

Sea lice reporting to be mandatory

Mandatory sea lice reporting for aquaculture production businesses will come into force on 29 March 2021.

New Marine Fund Scotland launches

Investments and jobs in seafood sectors, the marine environment and coastal communities will be supported through a new marine fund.  

Aquaculture health and welfare during Coronavirus

A new science publication has found no evidence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) impacting salmon welfare in Scotland.

Vacancy: Benthic Ecologist, Aberdeen, closing date 12 April

We are currently seeking applications for an Benthic ecologist within Marine Scotland based in Aberdeen. This is a permanent and pensionable appointment and new...

Vacancy: Marine Mammal Scientist, Aberdeen, closing date 9 A...

We are currently seeking applications for an Marine Mammal Scientist within Marine Scotland Science based in Aberdeen. This is a permanent and pensionable appoi...

Spotlight on Fishermen’s Mission

‘Don’t struggle in silence’ is the message from the chief executive of a charity that has seen an influx in calls and requests from fishers impacted by Coronavi...

Outcome of UK/EU/Norway negotiations

The trilateral fisheries negotiations between UK, the EU and Norway have concluded with quotas agreed for a number of shared stocks.

Engaging the fishing industry in marine environmental survey...

Surveys using local information from fishers have been used to better understand marine life in and around Scotland’s network of Marine Protected Areas.

Extra support for ports and harbours

Investing in coastal communities. 

Safeguarding flapper skate

New measures to help conservation efforts.

Priorities for seafood taskforce

Urgent work required to support sector.

Orkney Brown Crab MSC Draft Report 2017

Scotland's Marine Assessment 2020

Scotland’s Marine Assessment 2020 (SMA2020) is a portal which reports on the vision for the seas

Brexit and Our Fisheries. How it Will Affect You

How will Brexit affect you and our industry?