Due to the completely different fisheries legal system in Scotland, IFM Scottish Branch operates at national level and engages effectively with the Scottish Executive as a lobby Group in its own right on a whole range of fisheries issues. It is a respected organisation and has a sound working relationship with the Scottish Executive and all other fisheries management organisations.

2005 Branch Report - download it here (17.2Kb)

We are currently assisting in the development of new fisheries legislation through the Freshwater Fisheries Forum – this has been a major aspect of our work over the last 2 years and is likely to continue for some time. Emerging from the Forum’s deliberations, the Scottish Executive have recently (December 05) circulated a comprehensive consultation paper seeking views on the proposed Aquaculture and Fisheries Bill.

A copy of the proposals can be viewed here: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Fisheries/afBill/Intro/ The proposed legislation will cover a range of important matters, including greater regulation of the aquaculture industry in Scotland and some rationalisation of the freshwater fishery management system. On the latter, we are likely to see a new regulatory regime for fish movements in Scotland, some improvements to the Protection Order system which assures access to anglers as well as fish conservation, changes to angling methods, better definitions and some prohibitions on certain tackle, such as gaffs, tailers and knotted mesh nets.

The deadline for comments is 24 February 2006 and the Scottish Branch has now submitted its formal response which can be viewed on our new  Branch Resources page If you have any questions, please email Brian Davidson at asfb@btconnect.com

At a more practical level, Scottish Branch has developed a range of training courses for those involved in fisheries enforcement and management and this is one area where the Branch has been the lead organisation in Scotland. This role will continue. The Branch publish bi-annual newsletters and convene various meetings and seminars to discuss issues of mutual interest to our members and wider groups – see forthcoming events on our events page. The branch acts as an effective network for imparting good advice to members and interested parties alike on any issue concerning fishery management. One of our key strengths, unlike many other fishery/angling organisations in Scotland – is that we have no political or vested interest other than what is in the best interest of Scotland’s fish populations and fisheries.

Please feel free to contact us if you know of an event or suggestion which you think other IFM members would be interested in.