Fisheries

Over the past few years, the Moray Firth Partnership has become actively involved in bringing together the key stakeholders in the fishing industry of the Moray Firth. We have held a number of seminars and meetings, which have been supported by a wide range of interests including fishermen and fishermen’s organisations, fish processors and marketers, the Scottish Executive, public bodies, ports, fisheries research and others, all trying to find positive ways forward to enable a healthier fishing industry with benefits for Moray Firth communities. The MFP is able to use its neutral status to bring together the various fisheries groups and try to broker agreement and cohesion at the local level.

In 2004, following a request from the industry and a consultation with fishermen, the Moray Firth Partnership secured funding to set up a Moray Firth Fisheries Action Group (MF FAG). The objective of the group is to maximise local economic, social and environmental benefits of sustainable fishing through working together. There are a number of ongoing fisheries initiatives, involving a range of organisations. The MF FAG seeks to add value to these initiatives through integrated planning and project activities. The call for a Fisheries Action Group came from the two successful seminars on inshore fisheries  and salmon fisheries run by the Partnership.

The first step of the MF FAG was a consultation questionnaire with fishermen and fisheries interests to scope the priority issues and the level of interest in the group. Two meetings were then held to look in detail at these issues (integrated fisheries management; seal management and stock assessment and restoration) and ways in which action could be taken. This was the first time these different interests had been brought together in the Moray Firth. A draft 5 year Action Plan was produced.  At the request of the group, the MFP co-ordinated a feasibility study on the implementation of the draft Action Plan.  Follow this link to view or download a copy of the Feasibility Study (pdf 693kb)

One of the key priorities identified by fishermen at an early stage was an event to explore and promote the potential for adding value to local produce. The Moray Firth Partnership took this forward through the conference The Moray Firth; Produce to be Proud of.

A further meeting discussed the proposed Inshore Fishery Management Groups (IFGs) and requested that the MFP should help secure local commitments to support the rapid implementation of IFG; broaden industry representation and facilitate discussions (the meeting on 2nd March 2007) to lay the background for a Moray Firth IFG.

Individual fishermen, local representatives of fishing associations, scientific bodies, agencies and academic institutions with an interest in fisheries management interests and stock assessment attended the day long meeting on Friday 2nd March 2007 at the Banff Springs Hotel, Banff to discuss the Moray Firth Inshore Fisheries Management Group and stock assessment. The meeting was organised by the Moray Firth Partnership (MFP) and chaired by Moray Firth Partnership (MFP) Director Mike Comerford. The meeting was structured to allow plenty of opportunity for questions and discussion.  A full report of the meeting is available on this link.

The MFP is grateful to the following for funding this recent work; the Fishermen’s Association Limited, Scottish Whitefish Producers Association, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council, The Highland Council, HIE Moray and the Scottish Executive.


Funders for the MF FAG and feasibility study have included: Crown Estate, The Fishermen’s Association Limited, Fish Industry Training Association, Highland Marine and Communities Scheme, Moray Council, Scottish White Fish Producers Association Limited, Spey District Salmon Fishery Board, HIE Moray and the Scottish Executive.

For further information on the Moray Firth Fisheries Action Group please contact us.