IFG written answer

Elaine Murray (Labour) | Official Report source | Question S3W-22586

To ask the Scottish Executive whether it will consider extending the membership of inshore fisheries groups to include representatives of conservation and sea angling groups.

Richard Lochhead (Scottish National Party) | Official Report source

Membership of an Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) is open to commercial fishermen who operate in the IFG area. An IFG must liaise with all relevant stakeholders, such as recreational sea anglers and conservation groups, as it develops its management plan. Where locally appropriate we would expect these interests to be included formally within the IFG’s Advisory Group, which exists to provide expert advice to the IFG and to provide the necessary checks and balances to ensure robust management plans that accord with wider environmental, social, economic and management objectives.

SSACN’s opinion – The question still remains as to whether or not the IFG’s agree with Mr Lochhead point of view and given the response of some of those involved in the Clyde IFG we can only believe that to be very questionable.

Category: Scottish Government News