Question reference: S5W-31990
- Asked by: Kenneth Gibson, MSP for Cunninghame North, Scottish National Party
- Date lodged: 23 September 2020
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Current status: Answered by Fergus Ewing on 7 October 2020
Question
To ask the Scottish Government whether it considers that the UK Fisheries Bill as currently drafted will provide sufficient powers to Scottish ministers to allow the redistribution of fishing opportunities to those who deliver best social, economic and environmental benefit.
Answer
I am confident that the powers granted through the UK Fisheries Bill, in combination with the Scottish Government's existing powers in this area, will allow it to consider the distribution of fishing opportunities.
As part of the development of our Future Fisheries Management Strategy we remain committed to the current system of Fixed Quota Allocations for existing quota opportunities. In relation to new and additional quota opportunities, as part of our future strategy we will work with stakeholders to consider options for allocating additional quota opportunities differently, including providing support for community quota, new entrants and incentivising best practice.