Summary Paper: Review of Interim Measures (Orkney)

General Overview

Of all the RIFG regions, Orkney fishermen were the most supportive of the introduction of the interim measures and, overall, reported the best knowledge of them. It is, however, noted when comparing the different regions, Orkney fishermen were the least affected by them and this can be largely attributed to their current fishing practices.

“We have never landed berried crab or lobster for the last 30 years” 

 “I have made no changes as I have never landed berried shellfish and always V-notch berried lobster”

 “I have no opinion on the matter due to my fishing operations not being affected due to the fact I have never landed berried shellfish.”

In line with the national picture, over 20% of fishermen responded to the survey and have also been willing to engage directly with the RIFG chair. As survey’s go, 20% may be seen as a good response but we must remember, we still do not know the views of the other 80% and greater effort is needed to engage with these other fishermen.

It has become clear with conversations with fishermen, that there is a degree of general frustration with scientific data, stock assessments and how Fmsy is being calculated. Orkney fishermen quite strongly contest that there is a problem with crab stock although Scottish Government Stock assessments show Orkney as fishing over Fmsy.

“The stocks are healthy and following their age-old cycles unaffected by the actions of fishermen or government”

Orkney fishermen feel that the uniqueness of Orkney waters and fishing industry here are not understood at Scottish Government level. They feel that, although largely supportive of the introduction of the interim measures, they were directed, and for the benefit, of other regions.  This view is supported by the findings of the RIFG Interim Measures Survey which showed other regions being more affected by them.

There is also frustration being expressed as there ‘seems’ to be a focus on Lobster, although Lobster landings have been at a high.

“Lobster fishing has been the best last year I have seen in 40 years as a lobster fisherman.  Although we have returned possibly up to 50 % of lobsters in some fleets as they were berried, landings have still been up overall for us, that’s 2 consecutive years that catch rate has been excellent in our area.”

Orkney fishermen advocate for separate regulations and measures for crab and lobster to ensure an improved, more targeted and fairer approach.

Interim Measures

Whilst Orkney fishermen were the most supportive of the introduction of the interim measures, there is no consensus view as to whether the Interim measures have been successful or not; or whether interim measures should continue, be adjusted or abandoned.

In the survey, exactly the same number of fishermen thought the Interim measures have been very successful as those who thought them to have been totally unsuccessful. This is the same with those who said they were moderately successful as those who said they were moderately unsuccessful. A third of Orkney fishermen think the interim measures were successful, to varying degrees, a third of Orkney fishermen think the interim measures were unsuccessful, to varying degrees, and a third of Orkney fishermen have no opinion. These results reflect the same range of opinions expressed in direct dialogues with fishermen.

With regards to whether the interim measures should continue, or not, there was an even spread of views between; that they should stop, they should continue as they are, they need building upon, there needs to be a total rethink about the management of Inshore fisheries, and they did not have an opinion.

Whilst there is no consensus as to how interim measures should continue, there was only a small minority (14.29%) who specifically stated they wanted the interim measures to be stopped.

Conclusion

Of the 7 summary points, below, the first 4 are emerging themes that have arisen through the RIFG Interim Measures Survey and direct contact with fishermen.

It must be remembered that the views expressed only represent 20% of the fishermen of Orkney, and due to the small number of fishermen in Orkney, percentages can be easily swayed.

1. There is a need for a regional approach to inshore fisheries management
2. There is a need for better and up-to-date science
3. There is a need for how Fmsy is calculated to be reviewed
4. There is a need to separate Crab and Lobster regulations and measures
5. There has not been enough time to assess the impact interim measures have had on crab and lobster stocks.
6. Interim Measures should continue
7. Interim Measures being varied to exclude super crabbers from inshore waters out to12nm, should be considered

Additional Files