Scottish Crab and Lobster Management Improvements from May

The Scottish Government has announced the implementation of selected interim measures aimed at improving the management of crab and lobster fisheries in Scottish waters.

These measures, effective from May 12, 2024, include a prohibition on the landing of egg-bearing crab and lobster into Scotland and controls on creel fishing vessels of more than 12 metres overall with a track record of landing more than 200 tonnes of crab and/or lobster in any 12-month period since 2020.

The decision to implement these interim measures comes in response to scientific evidence indicating that crab and lobster stocks are under pressure from overfishing in many areas of Scottish waters. Recognising the importance of Scottish inshore fisheries to the economy and rural communities, the Scottish Government has been working closely with stakeholders to address declining catch rates and ensure the sustainability of shellfish stocks.

Earlier this year, in collaboration with the Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups (RIFGs) and the Fisheries Management and Conservation (FMAC) Inshore Fisheries Subgroup, the Scottish Government initiated discussions with hundreds of fishermen and representatives to develop solutions to these challenges. The interim measures are part of a broader improvement roadmap for inshore fisheries management in Scotland, which includes updating stock assessment data, consulting on additional management measures later in 2024, and progressing key transformational projects such as inshore vessel tracking for the under 12-metre fleet.

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, Mairi Gougeon, emphasised the importance of decisive action and co-management in ensuring the sustainability of Scotland’s inshore fisheries. “It’s in all of our interest to alleviate pressure on our shellfish stocks and improve the science base to help ensure sustainability for Scotland’s most prominent inshore fisheries,” said Gougeon. “Decisive action and co-management will help aid Scotland’s transition to a more agile and responsive management system.”

The Scottish Government is committed to continuing the co-management approach and engaging with stakeholders to shape fisheries management policies that address the complex variations and interlinkages in Scotland’s inshore fisheries. The full details of the license condition on the short-term improvements will be published on the Scottish Government website on Friday, May 10, 2024.

From 12 May 2024, selected interim measures will be implemented in Scotland including:

· prohibition on landing of egg-bearing crab and lobster into Scotland

· controls on creel fishing vessels of more than 12 meters overall with a track record of landing more than 200 tonnes of crab and / or lobster in any 12 month period since 2020

Interim measures are part of an overarching improvement roadmap to inshore fisheries management in Scotland which also includes:

· updating our stock assessment data this year, considering other indicators of stock health for crab and lobster, as well as improving our crab and lobster sampling programme

· consulting on a broad package of inshore fisheries management measures later in 2024

· progressing related key transformational projects such as inshore vessel tracking for the under 12 metre fleet

Background Information

– Scotland’s inshore fisheries extend out to 12 nautical miles.

– Around 80% of Scotland’s approximately 2,000 registered fishing vessels operate in these waters, comprising a mix of creelers, Nephrops trawlers, hand-liners, scallop dredgers, and divers.

– The 2017 Inshore Fisheries Pilots Initiative implemented projects in the Outer Hebrides and Mull to address diminishing catch returns and competition for space.

– The RIFG network has overseen the development of various initiatives, including voluntary static gear controls in the Firth of Clyde.

– The latest Marine Directorate Stock Assessment Report highlights stakeholders’ views on the health of shellfish stocks.