The North East Scotland Fisheries Development Partnership meeting was scheduled to cover a range of topics critical to the region's fishing industry. Discussions were planned on port updates, training developments, and cluster progress, alongside a significant focus on the utilisation of seafood by-products. The meeting also included a review of the Public Sector Equality Duty and the minutes from a previous meeting.

Public Sector Equality Duty

Members were reminded of their legal obligation under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010 to consider the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment, and victimisation, advance equality of opportunity, and foster good relations between those with and without protected characteristics. This duty requires conscious consideration in decision-making, influencing the final outcome. The report pack indicated that where an Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) was provided, its contents should be considered. An IIA is typically appended to reports where proposed actions might have a differential impact on individuals with protected characteristics.

Vice Chairs' Concerns

The report pack indicated that concerns facing the fishing industry were scheduled to be discussed, particularly in light of negotiations on fishing opportunities for 2026. Specific mention was made of challenging advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), including a zero catch recommendation for northern shelf cod and a proposed significant reduction in the mackerel total allowable catch (TAC). The industry's perspective was that this advice was based on overly precautionary assumptions and that wider environmental factors, rather than solely fishing, might be influencing stock changes. The socio-economic impacts on vessels, processors, coastal communities, and supply chains were highlighted as crucial considerations, alongside cumulative pressures from marine protected areas (MPAs) and offshore wind development.

Port Updates

Updates were scheduled to be provided on the current position and future ambitions of key ports in the region. Peterhead Port was expected to outline its significant investments, including a modern fish market, new processing units, an electronic auction system, and a large ice factory. The port's diversification into the energy transition, including decommissioning, floating offshore wind, clean fuels, and carbon capture through the ACORN project, was also on the agenda. Discussions were anticipated regarding shared challenges such as workforce shortages and apprenticeships. Additionally, updates were planned for Macduff Harbour, including progress on its Fish Market One and harbour masterplan, supported by Just Transition funding.

Training Developments and Courses

A presentation was scheduled to provide an update on training developments and courses aimed at addressing recruitment and skills shortages within the fishing industry. This discussion was expected to explore the context of an ageing workforce, reliance on migrant labour, rising visa salary thresholds, and the disengagement of some young people from education or work. International examples of successful training vessel models from Norway, France, and the United States were anticipated to be shared, highlighting the importance of shore-based support, mentoring, and long-term funding. The critical first step of agreeing on the purpose of any training vessel was also expected to be a key point.

Cluster Progress and Funding Developments

This agenda item was set to focus on cluster progress and funding developments, with a presentation by Tracy White of the Scottish Ocean Cluster Operations. The report pack included extensive information on the potential for utilising Scotland's seafood sidestreams (waste). It detailed current uses for by-products, including finfish by-products (around 160,000 tonnes/year) blended into aquaculture feed, and shellfish by-products (around 24,500 tonnes/year) used in construction, drainage, and gardening. The report highlighted considerations for Scotland, such as a lack of communication between industry and innovators, limited data on byproduct availability, and a need for greater understanding of market potential. Recommendations included forming a Scotland By-Products Strategy Steering Group, understanding byproduct volumes and characterisation, mapping bioproduct capability, investigating a digital marketplace, and creating a Scottish cluster or hub.

Round Table Development Discussion

A round table discussion was scheduled to address development issues, with a specific focus on concerns regarding proposed Flow Park wet storage sites in the Moray region. The lack of early consultation with fishermen, councils, and other local stakeholders was expected to be a key point of discussion. While offshore wind in principle had broad support, the potential for wet storage areas to block traditional inshore fishing grounds for extended periods, impacting smaller boats and the wider coastal economy, was a significant concern. The discussion was anticipated to highlight frustrations stemming from learning about plans through the press rather than direct engagement and to underscore the need for earlier, more transparent, and meaningful dialogue.

Minutes of the Meeting of 10 October 2025

The meeting was scheduled to review and potentially adopt the minutes from the previous meeting of the North East Scotland Fisheries Development Partnership held on 10 October 2025.