EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Autumn on the loch
This Executive Summary presents an overview of the Freshwater Fisheries Forum's work to create a framework within which we can develop and maintain Freshwater Fisheries in Scotland. The development of the Strategic Framework was driven by representatives of the many divergent interests in the sector, calling upon specialised help where they felt it was necessary. The Strategic Framework document provides more detail of the process and of the areas identified in which action is required, and takes into account responses from the public consultation which was undertaken during the final quarter of 2007.
This Strategic Framework document is in four parts.
Part One
sets out a shared vision for freshwater fisheries in Scotland: "Scotland will have sustainably-managed freshwater fish and fisheries resources that provide significant economic and social benefits for its people". It also explains how the Freshwater Fisheries Forum Steering Group worked together to create this Strategic Framework, taking into account the interests and needs of all stakeholders, and having regard to the four pillars of sustainability: environmental, economic, social and stewardship.
Part Two
describes the context in which freshwater fisheries in Scotland is operating, and lists the recent policy developments and other initiatives which bear on its operation. It also expands further on the context of freshwater fisheries in relation to the four pillars of sustainability. It concludes, when discussing stewardship, by identifying the need to adopt an evolutionary approach in order to move towards our shared vision. Particular emphasis will be required on:
- catchment-based management of all freshwater fish species;
- the evolution, co-ordination and streamlining of existing bodies into structures that can discharge these responsibilities effectively; and
- the development of sustainable funding streams and appropriate legislation to ensure this work can be done effectively.
Part Three
explains in more detail how the vision set out in Part One is to be realised, in an evolutionary way as identified in Part Two. It considers areas that still require further work before detailed proposals can be recommended, and refines these into a series of formal 'priorities for action'. These are brigaded under eight broad subject headings or themes:
- Good Practice in Freshwater Fisheries Management
- National Initiatives in Freshwater Fisheries Management
- Freshwater Fisheries Management Resources
- Encouraging Participation
- Marketing
- Reviews
- Primary Legislation
- Research & Development
Priorities for action are identified in text boxes throughout Part Three, and methodologies for implementation are discussed in Appendix 2.
Part Four
proposes how monitoring and dissemination of progress in delivering the Framework's objectives can be taken forward. It proposes that the Freshwater Fisheries Forum is continued and that regular progress reports are published.