The Scottish Government has confirmed a new package of measures for the Firth of Clyde following its decision to revoke the Sea Fish (Prohibition on Fishing) (Firth of Clyde) Order 2026.
In a letter dated 26 February to Finlay Carson MSP, Convener of the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP outlined the revised approach after Ministers annulled the original Order with effect from 18 February.
Gougeon made clear that leaving what she described as a depleted cod stock without safeguards would be unacceptable. She wrote that, given Ministers’ statutory obligations under the Fisheries Act 2020, “taking no action is not an option”.
The original Order had proposed restrictions in the Clyde Cod Box, but concerns raised by the Committee led to its revocation. The new measures are set to take effect from 28 February.
Access Controls to Limit Displacement
Under the revised framework, administrative licence conditions will restrict access to the wider Firth of Clyde.
Access will be limited to vessels with a demonstrable track record of fishing in the area between 2023 and 2025, as well as vessels primarily engaged in authorised scientific research.
According to Gougeon, these controls replicate the access provisions contained in the revoked Order and were not among the concerns raised by the Committee. The stated aim is to maintain the integrity of the science programme and prevent displacement from visiting vessels, which could otherwise increase fishing mortality.
Officials are to work with other UK fisheries administrations to ensure consistent implementation.
Voluntary Seasonal Closure Introduced
In place of the previously proposed mandatory precautionary closure, the Scottish Government will introduce a voluntary seasonal closure covering both static and mobile gear.
The closure will apply from 28 February to 1 April 2026 and will cover the same geographical area as set out in the revoked Order.
Gougeon acknowledged “the strength of feeling expressed regarding the proposed precautionary seasonal closure” and described the decision to move to a voluntary approach as reflecting further engagement with local fishermen.
Participating vessels will be asked to limit fishing activity during the period and, where requested, carry monitoring equipment to support improved data collection on bycatch and stock behaviour.
The Clyde Fishermen’s Association has indicated support for the voluntary closure when linked to an enhanced science programme, according to the Cabinet Secretary. The arrangement will be kept under review and discussed again later in the year.
Expanded Science Programme
Alongside access controls and the voluntary closure, the Scottish Government will proceed with an expanded science programme.
A working group comprising fishermen, scientists and officials has already held its inception meeting and is expected to meet at least twice annually.
Key priorities for the first year include expanding first and fourth quarter research vessel survey coverage, monitoring selectivity and bycatch across gear types including creels and Nephrops trawls, addressing gaps in historical data within the stock assessment model, updating the model with data to 2025, and improving understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of cod, including spawning fish and juveniles within the Clyde Cod Box and adjacent areas.
Wider Selectivity Consultation Underway
Concerns about bycatch and fishing mortality were also raised during the Committee’s evidence session. In response, the Scottish Government has launched a 12-week public consultation on selectivity proposals under the Future Catching Policy, running from 16 February to 11 May 2026.
Gougeon stated that officials will continue to work closely with the local fishing industry and acknowledged what she described as the constructive approach taken in shaping the science programme and broader evidence-based work.
She confirmed her intention to provide the Rural Affairs and Islands Committee with an annual progress report on the Clyde programme and associated management measures.
