Question reference: S6W-12866
- Date lodged: 6 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Mairi Gougeon on 14 December 2022
Question
To ask the Scottish Government, in the light of recently released evidence from NatureScot showing that wrasse is a typical species of rocky reef habitats, which are a Habitats Directive Annex I habitat, and kelp beds, which are categorised as a Priority Marine Feature, what additional wrasse fishery management measures it has reviewed and refined in accordance with its statement in December 2020 regarding Marine Scotland Controls for Wild Wrasse Fisheries that “measures will be kept under review and we will look to refine them as more evidence, data and technology becomes available”.
Answer
Once we report on the 2021 and 2022 fishing seasons, we will undertake discussions with stakeholders via our Regional Inshore Fisheries Group network in order to help determine the effectiveness of existing management measures, and what if any improvements could be made.
There are already a range of measures in place to protect fish stocks and their habitats, including a network of Marine Protected Areas, controls on fishing gear and catch limits. Work is already underway to develop fisheries management measures for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and protection for the 11 Priority Marine Features most vulnerable to mobile bottom-contacting fishing gears outside of MPAs.
Stakeholder engagement is being undertaken at the moment prior to full public consultation next year. All proposals to manage the MPA network and Priority Marine Features are evidence-led, based on Sustainability Appraisals and underpinned by stakeholder engagement at all stages.