ABOUT US
The RIFG network comprises 6 national groups where commercial fishers have a forum to explore local fisheries management initiatives, ensuring fishing businesses of all sizes have a strong voice in matters that affect them.
OUR AIM
The Regional Inshore Fisheries Groups (RIFGs) are non-statutory bodies that aim to improve the management of fisheries in the 0-12 nautical mile zone of Scottish waters and to give commercial inshore fishers a strong voice in wider marine planning initiatives.
REGIONS
East Coast
The East Coast RIFG coves the area from Inverness clockwise round the coast down to the national border with England in the east.
North and Northwest Coast
The North and Northwest RIFG cover north of covers from Ardnamurchan Point around to Inverness, including the Inner Hebrides north of Ardnamurchan Point.
Southwest Coast
The Southwest RIFG covers the area from the national border with England in the west to Ardnamurchan Point, including the Inner Hebrides south of Ardnamurchan Point.
Outer Hebrides
The Outer Hebrides RIFG covers inshore waters from the baselines between the Butt of Lewis and Barra Head, as well as the sea out from St Kilda, the Flannan Isles, North Rona and Sula Sgeir.
Orkney
The Orkney RIFG extends out to 12 miles around the isles and the waters surrounding Sule Skerry to the west
Shetland
The Shetland RIFG extends out to 12 miles around the isles and operating separately to, but in close cooperation with, the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO).
6
FISHERY GROUPS
OVER
18,000
KILOMETRES OF SCOTTISH COASTLINE
All Regions
September 18, 2026
Fisheries Management Measures within Scottish Inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Proposed Priority Marine Feature (PMF)Management Areas Consultation
Scottish Ministers have committed to delivering fisheries management measures for existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) where these are not already in place and key biodiversity locations outwith the MPA network. This is in line with the Scottish Government’s vision for the marine environment, for clean, healthy, safe, productive and diverse seas; managed to meet the […]
Orkney
August 5, 2026
Orkney Creel Fishery Achieves World First Community Catch Certification
The Fishing Daily reported that:
“The Orkney Creel Fishery has become the first fishery in the world to achieve certification under the Community Catch Standard, marking what organisers describe as a significant milestone for small-scale fisheries seeking recognition for environmental and social responsibility.”
Meetings
Apr
27
Orkney
Orkney RIFG January 2027