SCOTTISH FISHERIES AND CLIMATE CHANGE SURVEY LAUNCHED

Scottish fisheries and climate change survey launched.  Scotland has recognised there is currently a Climate Emergency, and it is now committed by law to reduce the country’s greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2045, while ensuring a just transition. This means that by 2045, all sectors of our society will need to make changes to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases, while ensuring this is fair across society.

The fishing industry has an important part to play in reducing emissions and helping to create a low carbon economy with clean, green jobs. The transition to net zero will no doubt be challenging for the fishing sector, but also presents an opportunity to make a positive impact by adjusting practices, and growing Scottish businesses and supply chains in a sustainable way to create good, sustainable jobs.

The Scottish Government has launched a survey to understand how ready the Scottish fishing sector is to respond to the climate change challenge.

The survey launches during COP26 and is open until the end of November. It covers topics including emissions, alternative fuels, fishing gear and methods, blue carbon and asks the industry for information on climate change impacts it is already seeing and adaptions currently being made.

Responses to the survey will inform a workshop on climate change and fisheries to be held next year and help the Scottish Government map out how it can support the Scottish fishing industry respond to climate crisis and move towards net zero.

The approach is part of Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy which was published last year. Developed in partnership with key stakeholders, it is an action plan to support Scotland’s ambition to be a world class fishing nation and ensure responsible and sustainable fisheries management.

Commenting on the launch of the survey, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:

“Scotland’s fishing industry finds itself on the front line of climate change and facing serious challenges. We need to take action now to ensure that a sustainable fishing industry can survive into the future.

“The Scottish Government is committed to working with the fishing sector to respond to the climate emergency and to ensure a just transition. This survey will help us to inform our future work on climate change mitigation and adaptation. I encourage everyone with an interest in Scottish fisheries to engage with this survey.”

The survey can be completed at  where further information is also available.