Marine Mythbusters

Myth #13

What ongoing efforts are there to enhance fish populations?

Fact #13

Scottish fish stocks have seen significant increases in recent years, thanks to effective management measures, such as strict catch limits and fishing quotas, and efforts by the fishing industry to adopt sustainable practices.

Some fish stocks, such as plaice and hake, haddock and whiting, are several times bigger now than they were 20 years ago, and fish populations are healthy or improving globally.

According to a scientifically assessed paper published in 2020, world fish populations are improving on average, and for fish populations that aren't doing well, there is a roadmap to sustainability, or the reason for the lack of improvement is related to other factors such as environmental changes.

Myth #14

What efforts are Scottish fishing crews making to fish sustainably and adhere to catch limits?

Fact #14

While mismatches between stocks and catches of some species were evident in the past, the Scottish fishing industry has undergone a significant transformation in the last 25 years.

With large-scale investment in new technology and the adoption of innovative gear types and methods, the industry has adjusted its overall capacity to be more in line with available resources and fishing opportunities.

The result? A more sustainable and responsible industry that's working to put nutritious food with a low carbon footprint on our tables.

So, the myth of a rapacious industry doesn't hold water. Scottish fishing is committed to responsible practices, ensuring the health of our seas and the future of our industry.

Myth #15

How regulated is Scotland’s fishing industry?

Fact #15

Scottish fishing is highly regulated to ensure sustainable practices and marine conservation. Regulations include the use of sustainable fishing methods and mandatory reporting of all catches.

Several government agencies and organizations oversee the industry, such as Marine Scotland and DEFRA (UK Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Fisheries in Scotland and the rest of the UK are some of the most highly regulated in the world.

Myth #16

What types of fishing operations exist in Scotland?

Fact #16

Part of the success of the Scottish fishing industry is that it encompasses a diverse range of operations that have evolved and adapted to reflect Scotland’s geography and infrastructure as well as the resources available in our waters.

The majority of the fleet is under 10 m in length, and is embedded in local communities, supporting coastal and island economies. The largest vessels, which make up only around 1% of the Scottish fleet are highly selective, involved only in seasonal fisheries and studies show they have a very low carbon footprint.

While some operations may be larger in scale, all Scottish fishing activities have strong links with their communities. This diversity in fishing operations contributes to the resilience and richness of the Scottish fishing industry, supporting both larger-scale enterprises and smaller, locally oriented businesses.

Most of the vessels in the Scottish fleet are involved in creel (pot) fishing. The Scottish Government's 2021 Sea Fisheries statistics showing this, with the majority of boats being 10 meters and under in length.

Myth #17

How resilient is the Scottish fishing industry?

Fact #17

Over many decades, Scottish fishing has shown it is an extremely resilient sector.

In recent years, it has undergone extensive modernisation, transformation and innovation, and it is now more sustainable than ever before.

Myth #18

Eating fish supports the environment and is part of a healthy diet

Fact #18

Wild capture fish and shellfish are a renewable and sustainable source of low-emission, healthy protein. Eating fish has a smaller impact on the environment than any other animal protein and in some cases, also plant-based protein.

The government’s own advice is that people in Scotland should eat more fish. It is an important part of a healthy balanced diet, and we are failing to meet the government’s Scottish Dietary Goal on fish consumption.

Myth #19

Is the fishing industry driven by a diverse range of interests beyond just corporations?

Fact #19

The Scottish fishing industry is highly diverse.  It is made up of wide range of different types of businesses, from large to small.

Different fishing communities and individual fishermen in Scotland use fishing methods and equipment that are specific to their location and the species of fish they are targeting.

This diversity allows for sustainable and responsible fishing practices and reflects the country's diverse geography and marine environment.

Myth #20

Is Scottish fishing harmful to the environment?

Fact #20

While some people believe that all forms of fishing harm the environment, there are no inherently damaging methods of fishing. Any legal method of fishing is sustainable if used lawfully and in the appropriate places.

Using selective fishing gear, adhering to quotas and regulations set by the government and regulatory bodies, and meeting statutory reporting requirements all contribute to Scotland having well managed and sustainable fisheries.

By working in this way, Scottish fisheries aim to strike the right balance between marine conservation and sustainable food production.

Myth # 21

Does the fishing industry in Scotland release as much C02 as the aviation industry?

Fact # 21

The previous claim was made in a scientific paper that was subsequently discredited and debunked.

The Scottish fishing industry is in fact a climate-smart form of food production, producing healthy, sustainable protein with a lower carbon footprint of all forms of animal protein and indeed many forms of plant-based food production.