Since 2001, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April, in order to protect spawning cod. The Scottish Government has responsibility for the closure via a Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI). Prior to 2022 exemptions were provided for Norway lobster trawlers, creels and scallop dredgers due to the low amounts of cod that they catch. However, in 2022, these exemptions were removed due to the disturbance that these fishing methods cause to the seabed and spawning cod. Removing the exemptions and minimising disturbance provides cod with a better chance of recovering.
This consultation seeks your views on continuing the closure in 2024 and 2025.
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Last Updated on 5th November 2024