1. Moray Firth Inshore Fisheries Group
Background and Progress to Date

2. Background Scottish Government Initiative
Involve fishing industry in process of fisheries management
Scottish Inshore Fisheries Advisory Group (SIFAG) developed constitution and high level objectives
Extremely long gestation period!
12 IFG areas covering the entire coast?

3. Inshore Fisheries Groups
3 Pilot areas launched May 2009
South East, Clyde, Outer Hebrides
3 Pilot areas launched August 2009
Mull & SI, North West, Moray Firth
MFIFG Duncansby Head/Rattray Head/6nm
Independent Chairmen Appointed
MFIFG John Cox, Aberdeenshire Council

4. Inshore Fisheries Groups
Co-ordinator
Only Salaried Employee
No statutory duties / Not statutory bodies
No inherent budget
Seek external funding in order to progress any initiatives

5. Inshore Fisheries Groups
Executive Committee
Fishermen’s organisations with members fishing in the area
MFIFG: SWFPA, FAL, M&NWFA, SA, SPFA, ECLSBA, CSGFA
Independent fishermen’s representative
MFIFG: Jimmy Mitchell
Charged with developing a Fisheries Management Plan

6. Inshore Fisheries Groups
Executive Committee supported by
Formally Constituted Advisory Group
Statutory bodies Marine Scotland – Compliance, Science, Policy; SNH; SEPA
Key stakeholders; Local Authorities; Development Agencies; Wildlife interests (LINK); DSFBs; Port Authorities; Other interests – MFP, NSRAC etc
Advise on the compatibility of Fisheries Management Plan/Measures

7. Development of the Fisheries Management Plan for the Moray Firth
Exec. Comm. have agreed a draft FMP
Covers all fisheries in the Moray Firth
Sustainability of fish stocks primary objective
Identifies lack of an evidence base allowing rational management
Evidence gathering is the key feature of initial implementation
Statutory advisory bodies views have been sought

8. Development of the Fisheries Management Plan for the Moray Firth
Next Steps
Consult full Advisory Group
January 2011
Wider public consultation
February/March 2011
Submit draft plan to MS-Policy
Seek views of SIFAG
MS-Policy seek ministerial approval
Cabinet Secretary Rural Affairs and Environment

9. Implementing the MFIFG Fisheries Management Plan
Implementation on the basis of a partnership approach
Both Statutory and Non-statutory body involvement
Funding?
IFG programme subject of an early policy review
Outcome expected soon!
IFGs and Scottish Marine Regions?