clyde 2020 – action plan...2 sg – steering group, ssg – science sub group (reporting to sg),...

Clyde 2020 – Action Plan

April 2015

2 SG – Steering Group, SSG – Science Sub Group (reporting to SG), C2020, Clyde 2020, RMP, Regional Marine Plan

Clyde 2020 Vision

The Firth of Clyde is a healthy and thriving marine

ecosystem that is capable of adapting and mitigating

for the challenges of climate change and supports

sustainable fishing, tourism, leisure and other

sustainable developments while offering protection to

the most fragile species and habitats. This will

enhance the quality of life for local communities and

contribute to a diverse and sustainable economy for

the West of Scotland.


ACTION REF : HLO1:SME01:01 Priority - High

High Level Objective : Achieving a sustainable marine economy Clyde 2020 Objective Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) in place on all fishing vessels. The VMS data will be used to inform management options identify opportunities, facilitate administration and

enforcement of fisheries measures.

Lead: Marine Scotland with added value from C2020 steering group Support: MSS and Research

Sub Group

Timing: By September 2015 Action Parallel Projects:

Succorfish (ongoing trials on the West coast are to provide outputs by August 2015)

Scotmap

NMPi Regional Marine

Planning Assessment

Reference Documents:

Clyde 2020 Summit report of

Meeting (April 2014)

Primary Action

The Clyde 2020 Steering Group will assess the outputs of the

Succorfish trial for their applicability to the Clyde and submit

recommendations about its use to the Cabinet Secretary for

Rural Affairs and the Environment.

Recommendations will cover:

The appropriateness of Succorfish for use as per the

objective above. How data should be managed including how the data is

held and how to anonymise the data prior to public release.

Ways of funding the VMS, purchase and running costs, incentivised uptake.

Further Actions

SSG to advise how the data collected using Succorfish could be used to better inform the management of the

wider ecosystem to the benefit of all Clyde marine industries.

SG to estimate costs associated with implementation of this VMS system based on extending the VMS to all boats under 10m.

Indicators of Success and Monitoring of Action

Clear recommendations agreed by the relevant sectors represented on the Clyde 2020 Steering Group.

This proposal is accepted by the Cabinet Secretary and enacted in an amendment to the current legislation if necessary.

All boats, regardless of length, with a fishing licence for the Firth of Clyde submit records of boat movement.

An agreement is reached about the safe management of the VMS data from all perspectives.

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/marine-environment/Clyde2020



Rationale Output from the Clyde 2020 Summit: The introduction of Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) on

all fishing vessels would facilitate better management of the whole ecosystem for all users with

the added benefit of helping with compliance.

This action will:

Provide essential data for marine planning purposes ensuring that fishing areas are fully recorded and therefore effectively recognised in the regional planning processes.

Allow for maximisation of fishing effort in a zoned management scenario.

Make it easier to demonstrate a well-managed fishery which could attract premiums in the marketplace.

Improve safety and accountability.

Additional Funding Resources Required: Y/N Yes Potential Funding Sources: EMFF - project submitted by an external organisation e.g. C2020 Steering Group, IFG etc.



High Level Objective :Achieving a sustainable marine economy Clyde 2020 Objective In order to improve the productivity of the Clyde ecosystem, to the benefit of all marine industries, an Ecosystem Enhancement Plan (EEP) should be developed for the Firth of Clyde.

This should enhance and complement the work done on

protected areas in the Clyde e.g. MPAs. Lessons learnt will avoid duplication of effort.

Lead: Science Sub-Group Support: Significant input needed from the Steering Group

Timing: by February 2016

The aim of the EEP should be to manage pressures and allow

the natural recovery of fish stocks.

Action Parallel Projects:

SSG to advise the Steering group with regard to the content, extent and timetable for creation of EEP.

SSG to advise on existing data sources which would feed

into a EEP.

EEP to be written within 12 months.

A review process is put in place to assess impacts of measures.

A baseline assessment is being done by Clyde Forum and will report over the summer – this will inform the development of the EEP.

Reference Documents: Clyde 2020 Summit report of

Meeting (April 2014) Clyde Ecosystem Review, 2012

Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010:

Strategic Environmental

Assessment

FISH4 Carry out a study on the impacts of fishing to

the marine environment. MAR1 Develop an

integrated mariculture strategy.


An EEP is written and endorsed by stakeholders and forms the basis of management within the Firth of Clyde. This benefits the ecosystem and relevant marine businesses.

Implementation of EEP measures begins.

Quantifiable impacts of the EEP measures are recorded.

Rationale

The EEP should address the need for proactive management of pressures in the system with the aim of allowing natural recovery of the ecosystem. The EEP may therefore include effort

restrictions and fisheries management measures.

Proposals should be evidence based, however it is recognised that the ecosystem and fisheries data for the Clyde, upon which decisions will be taken, is not, nor will ever be, complete. It is therefore essential it is regarded as an iterative process where all proposals are assessed for their environmental, social and economic impact and are reviewed for anticipated and unexpected impacts and for effectiveness at relevant intervals.



http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/7562/6

http://www.clydeforum.com/marine-planning



Output from the Clyde 2020 Summit: Habitat creation and enhancement projects could be considered e.g. local hatcheries, restocking / re-seeding; however there was a general feeling

that initially we need to manage pressures and allow natural recovery before prioritising these measures.

The baseline assessment of the Clyde being undertaken by the Clyde Forum for marine

planning purposes (see Action HLO4:PGG02:10) will benefit from having an associated

EEP.

Local knowledge, alongside scientific evidence, could be used effectively in this context.

Additional Funding Resources Required: Y/N Yes Potential Funding Sources:



High Level Objective : Achieving a sustainable marine economy Clyde 2020 Objective Better understanding of the impact of existing fisheries and other management measures in the Firth of Clyde.

Lead: Science sub-group Support: Timing:


Undertake an assessment of the environmental, social and economic impact of any existing closures and other

relevant measures (e.g. mesh sizes, cod box, MOD closures etc.) in the Clyde.


Clyde 2020 Summit report of Meeting (April 2014)

EVALUATION OF CLOSED AREA SCHEMES (SGMOS-07-03), 2007 Clyde Ecosystem Review, 2012 Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: FISH1 Map fishing grounds which are sensitive to other marine activities.


An assessment of the impact of existing measures is completed for the Clyde.

The assessment is endorsed by stakeholders. The assessment is used to help inform decision making

regarding management of the ecosystem of the Clyde.

Rationale

Spawning ground closures have been in place for 12 years but have never been measured and this should be addressed.

Understanding existing measures will help maximise the effectiveness of any new measures.




http://stecf.jrc.ec.europa.eu/documents/43805/44876/07-09_SG-MOS+07-03+-+Evaluation+of+closed+areas+II.pdf



http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/7562/6




ACTION REF : HLO2:SHJ01:04 Priority - Medium and Low

High Level Objective : Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society Clyde 2020 Objective

To raise awareness and share the results of the Clyde 2020 programme.

To enhance the profile of the Clyde as a positive place to live, work and source food from.

Lead: Steering Group Support: Clyde Forum/Regional Marine Planning Timing: Dissemination of results – medium priority, to

happen when results are published.

Marketing strategy – low priority


Clyde Regional Marine Planning Process Reference Documents:

Clyde 2020 Summit report of Meeting (April 2014) Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: R&T6 Develop an Integrated marketing strategy for the Firth of Clyde.

A marketing plan for the Clyde 2020 project should be

considered. The aim will be to define consistent and

positive messages to be communicated to defined

audiences.

Clyde 2020 should communicate our outputs as they are

achieved.

Clyde 2020 should take opportunities to piggyback the

RMP process as it undertakes communication with the

wider community.


Results of Clyde 2020 Action Plan are shared with key

audiences.

Key messages are defined

Key audiences are identified

A Clyde ‘brand’ begins to be defined. The brand should

be useful for the development of promotional material

by individual stakeholders

Rationale - Output from Clyde 2020 Summit: Public involvement and education projects are

hugely important. However this is a low direct contributor to the ecosystem vision of Clyde 2020.

There is a lot to be gained by using the RMP process to engage and communicate with

people rather than creating a separate Clyde 2020 work stream.







ACTION REF : HLO2:SHJ02:05 Priority - High

High Level Objective : Ensuring a strong, healthy and just society. Clyde 2020 Objective Better understand the socio-economic make-up of the Clyde area.

This work should aim to build on and not duplicate the

evidence base brought by the RMP process.

Lead: Steering Group with support from the SSG or external socio-economic expertise. Support: SSG – to tie in with

the EEP.

Timing:

Action Parallel Projects: Clyde Regional Marine Planning Process Reference Documents: Clyde 2020 Summit report of

Meeting (April 2014) Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: MAR1 Socioeconomic review Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: R&T1 Socioeconomic review of marine recreation and tourism. Economic Impact of Recreational Sea Angling in Scotland Mull Aquaculture and Fisheries Economic Impact Study SeaFish Economics reports

Create a better understanding of the impact of the

marine business sector on the economy of fragile

communities by identify marine industry (not just

fishing) dependent communities in the Clyde.

This action is related to regional marine planning and

the scope for delivering this action through that process

should be explored to avoid duplication


The role of marine industries in fragile economies is

better understood.

Implications of recommendations under the EEP are

better understood and can potentially be measured.

Better planning and management decisions are taken

which maximise the benefits to marine business based

economies.

Rationale

Will help with the understanding and possible avoidance of socio-economic impact of

actions under the Clyde 2020 project.

Shows how marine industries fit into the make-up of local economies and how different

sectors feed into one another.

Will also be useful when applying for funding.

Output from Clyde 2020 Summit: Ecosystem services mapping and valuation (ecological, economic and social) is sought by delegates. This should include topic areas such as recreational fisheries, valuing biodiversity, value transfer, displacement mapping, aquaculture footprint, water quality and support systems for anadromous fish.


HIE, FLAG, Local authorities , LEADER/ other EU








http://www.gov.scot/Publications/2009/07/31154700/0



http://www.mull-afa.co.uk/Isle%20of%20Mul%20Valuation%20Report%20-%20final%204.pdf

http://www.mull-afa.co.uk/Isle%20of%20Mul%20Valuation%20Report%20-%20final%204.pdf

http://www.seafish.org/research-economics


ACTION REF : HLO3:LEL01:06 Priority - Medium

High Level Objective : Living within Environmental Limits Clyde 2020 Objective Appropriate improvement and maintenance targets need to be set for the Firth of Clyde ecosystem.

Lead: Marine Scotland. SSG then to lead on recommending Clyde specific targets. Support: Assisted by SEPA on

guidance on WFD, MSFD and HLO indicators.

Timing: Summer 2015

Action Parallel Projects: DEFRA review of MSFD targets Clyde Regional Marine Planning Process

Reference Documents: Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: ENV4 Develop a suite of Pressure/sensitivity indicators. Clyde 2020 Summit report of Meeting (April 2014) UK High Level Marine Objectives, 2009

Assess outputs of UK wide review and make

recommendations for Clyde relevant/appropriate

targets.

MS working with DEFRA to identify the overlaps

between the different legal obligations (MSFD, WFD and

HLO indicators and descriptors

Use the RMP process to identify existing data sets which

will be of use when assessing targets.

SSG to suggest appropriate targets for the Clyde.

May require a sub-group.


A robust and relevant set of targets are agreed for the

Clyde ecosystem.

Cost effective means of monitoring the targets are

agreed.

Rationale Targets set for MSFD and WFD are not set at the appropriate scale and level of detail for the

Clyde 2020 measures and not all of them may be relevant. Cost effective and realistic targets are needed which are valuable to the Clyde 2020 project.

Outputs from Clyde 2020 Summit: Consideration of the possibility of some selected good

environmental status (GES) targets at the scale of the Clyde (rather than the wider NE Atlantic scale required in MSFD) would be useful.






http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/marineact/marineobjectives

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/seamanagement/marineact/marineobjectives



High Level Objective : Living within Environmental Limits Clyde 2020 Objective Examine the drivers for changes in growth and maturation in fish.

Lead: Science Sub-Group Support: Timing:


SSG to advise the SG on what are the drivers and

priorities for research with regards to the changes in

growth and maturation of fish in the Clyde.

Research is undertaken into the nutrient balance in the

Clyde.



Drivers for change are better understood.

Changes and the impacts of the changes in the nutrient

balance are better understood.

EEP reflects greater understanding and incorporates

actions which address pressures.

Rationale The Clyde ecosystem has undergone a number of significant changes in terms of pressures,

management and nutrient balance and the impacts of these changes are not well understood.

Outputs from Clyde 2020 Summit: Research is needed into what is driving changes in growth

and maturation of fish and what this means for the future.

Research subjects in this area include fisheries induced evolution, environmental changes in

growth, food for fish (plankton, benthos, and competition between groups), effects of warming

(climate change) and food web models.




High Level Objective : Living within Environmental Limits Clyde 2020 Objective Litter pressures within the Clyde are better managed and positive efforts by the fishing sector and other marine industries to reduce litter are recognised.

Lead: Steering Group Support: Timing:


Local authorities encouraged to be part of KIMO and the

FFL programme.

Gather information on what is already being done, e.g.

beach clean groups etc.

Assess the need for a pathway for the data gathered by

beach clean groups to be used.

Promote MSFD and FoCF guidance to local beach clean

groups, FFL etc.

Fishing For Litter

GRAB Trust

Reference Documents: Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: ENV11 Establish a monitoring network for marine litter and debris. ENV11 Develop a coordinated marine litter strategy for the Firth of Clyde A Marine Litter Strategy for Scotland 2014

Clyde 2020 Summit report of Meeting (April 2014) Fishing for Litter Scotland,

2011 FFL - Microplastics


Fishing for Litter is more widely supported in the Clyde

by the fishing community and port authorities.

Rationale

A total of 165 vessels are signed up to FFL in Scotland; only 12 are in the Clyde.

Many vessels do gather litter and dispose of it, but this is not recognised.

C2020 should be involved in this agenda and encourage best practice.

Outputs from Clyde 2020 Summit:

Public involvement and industry education projects e.g. the public and industry/sector role in

reducing marine litter is hugely important.

Additional Funding Resources Required: Y/N Yes

Potential Funding Sources:

http://www.clydeforum.com/projects/marine-litter









http://www.kimointernational.org/KIMOPublications.aspx

http://www.kimointernational.org/KIMOPublications.aspx

http://www.kimointernational.org/MicroPlasticResearch.aspx


ACTION REF : HLO3:LEL03:09 Priority - High

High Level Objective : Living within Environmental Limits Clyde 2020 Objective To improve the communication and understanding between the scientific and non-scientific communities in the Clyde.

Lead: Science Sub Group Support: Timing:


Set up task groups, when necessary, (current

representatives of the steering group) of marine

industries to work with the science community on

methodologies of individual research projects, and

promote fuller understanding of outputs.

Work through IFMAC, IFG and FIS groups – be aware of

potential problems with excluded groups e.g. SSACN.

MASTS




Task groups of marine industries and the scientific

community share knowledge and best practice among

themselves and with the SG and SSG

Outputs from these meetings inform future research,

practical action and management measures.

Rationale

Discussions to date have highlighted the need for better communication between the scientific and the non-science community.

Better communications will help to improve methodology, share outputs and prioritise future work.



http://www.masts.ac.uk/about/masts-academics/




ACTION REF : HLO4:PGG02:10 Priority - Medium

High Level Objective : Promoting good governance Clyde 2020 Objective Create a baseline assessment of the Firth of Clyde ecosystem.

Lead: Clyde Forum Support: Timing: Baseline assessment draft due summer 2015


Clyde Regional Marine Planning Process Reference Documents: Clyde 2020 Summit report of Meeting (April 2014) Clyde Regional Marine Plan, 2010: ENV1 Develop a strategy

for the coordinated gathering and recording of data in the Firth of Clyde. Clyde Marine Spatial Plan, 2010: Ecosystem Approach - Applied to the FoC MSP

Support the work of the Clyde Forum and then the Regional Marine Planning Process in undertaking a baseline assessment of the Clyde.

Publish an annual progress report based on the C2020 action plan (not ecosystem changes).


Clyde 2020 outputs form a useful part of the RMP.

A baseline report is published and endorsed/adopted by

relevant organisations and groups.

Annual progress reports and/or meetings are useful and

productive events which progress the action plan.

Rationale

A baseline report of known data/science will help to establish our shared understanding

of the issues and science.

Annual gathering and/or report to discuss data/progress/concerns will also be helpful.










ACTION REF : HLO5:SSR01:11 Priority - High

High Level Objective : Using Sound Science Responsibly Clyde 2020 Objective To understand the recent changes in Clyde fish species diversity and implications for future species management.

Lead: Science Sub Group Support:

Timing:


Research sub group to provide an analysis of why there

has been a change in species diversity and if the trend is

likely to increase.

Provide insight into what this increase implies about

changes already made to the management of the fishing

industry in the Clyde and the changes to the food web

etc.

Reference Documents: Clyde Ecosystem Review, 2012



Analysis is provided and proves to be useful in proactive

management of the fisheries resource in the Clyde.

Rationale

Clyde Ecosystem Review 2012 states that species diversity has increased markedly between 2005-2009.

We need to understand or take into account the whole food web; there may be impacts

we are not aware of.

Gadoid stocks do not appear to be replacing themselves – why? Output from Clyde 2020 Summit: Research into causes of mortality of fish (birds, mammals,

predatory fish, fishing, toxicology) and changes in fish diets, role of by-catch, survival of discards, food web models etc. are all needed.



http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Publications/2012/06/7562




ACTION REF : HLO5:SSR02:12 LINKED WITH HLO5:SSR01:11 Priority - High

High Level Objective : Using Sound Science Responsibly Clyde 2020 Objective In conjunction with HLO5:SSR01:11 an understanding of what stock is in the Clyde at a useful level of detail/resolution is achieved.

Lead: SSG lead

Support: Marine Scotland Science (MSS) Timing:


Carry out fisheries stock assessment at a Clyde relevant

level.

Sub group to advise the steering group on how to go

about this and which species to target.

Reference Documents: Clyde 2020 Summit report of Meeting (April 2014) Stock Assessment Methods, Scottish Government


A fisheries stock assessment is published and used to

inform the management of the fisheries resource in the

Firth of Clyde.

Rationale

Output from Clyde 2020 Summit: There is a need to carry out fisheries stock assessment at a

Clyde level.

Is there any possibility of a white fish stock which is economically useful?

Is there the possibility of a useful herring stock?

Is the measurement of fish mortality used by Scottish Government scientists accurate?

Could the data collected in 2014 be used as the baseline for stock assessment?

Need to assess the spawning stocks in season.

Spatial resolution needs to be improved.

A science/research priority list should be developed the same way that MASTS did for

the aquaculture sector.





http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/19213/assessmentmethods

http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/marine/Sea-Fisheries/19213/assessmentmethods


ACTION REF : HLO5:SSR03 Priority - Low

High Level Objective : Using Sound Science Responsibly Clyde 2020 Objective Make best use of existing data.

Lead: Science Sub Group Support: Timing:


Sign post existing sources of data (e.g. Local Authority

repositories).

Create the opportunity for developers to list their

available survey data for the Clyde.

Work with business on mutually beneficial research

projects.




Businesses and statutory organisations release relevant

data which informs management options and creates a

better baseline for the Clyde.

Discussions begin with relevant businesses with regard

to mutually beneficial projects.

Rationale Businesses and developers are undertaking surveys which may be useful to the Clyde 2020

project but which are currently unseen.

Output from Clyde 2020 Summit: Delegates were clear that a Clyde science-industry

partnership and data clearing house would facilitate better standards and foster confidence in research outputs.



