Science in support of industry-led initiatives in inshore fishery management in Orkney

Six Inshore Fishery Management Groups (IFGs) have been established around Scotland, facilitating regional management of fisheries out to six nautical miles, also providing a means for the fishing industry to have a voice in wider marine management issues. The Orkney IFG, led by a cooperative consortium of stakeholders in local fisheries set up as a not-for-profit company, has been proactive in seeking scientific support for the development of sustainable fisheries initiatives, relating particularly to a thriving shellfish sector. We describe how industry is working with university scientists and local and national government agencies to develop fishery monitoring programmes that address two needs: firstly, supporting fishery assessment and management in relation to sustainability criteria; secondly, information to support marine spatial planning in the region, particularly in relation to the emerging wave and tidal energy sector. A Fishery Improvement Project is underway for the brown crab fishery, working towards meeting standards for sustainable fishery management and coordinating closely with local and national agencies on issues of governance and spatial planning. Scientific support for this and other industry-led initiatives in the region is providing a basis for the development of sustainable harvest strategies, with controls potentially provided under existing and future legislative instruments.