SCFF publishes Creel Potential report

SCFF and Fish Legal have published a report written by eftec showing how inshore static gear reserves can deliver a double win for Scotland’s environment and economy. The report explores the benthic impacts of trawl and creel fisheries, focusing on Nephrops in the Firth of Clyde, and suggests that a gradual transition expanding creeling to a moderate 30% share in the Clyde could be able to deliver significant reductions in benthic disturbance.

Read the summary here

Read the full report here

Press release Alnwick Castle celebration FINAL.pdf

SCFF attend national day of recognition for inshore small-scale fisheries

As a member of the Inshore and Small Scale Fisheries Consortium (ISSF), SCFF recently attended a ‘national day’ to recognise the value and specific needs of inshore and small-scale fishing communities, whilst celebrating exemplars of success within the sector.

ISSF is a collaboration of individuals who share concern about the decline in the small-scale fishing sector and are working with fishermen and others to address it.

Read ISSF's full event press release here

SCFF statement on hidden in the haul report_Final_July 2026.pdf

SCFF disappointed by bycatch report's top-down approach

SCFF has expressed disappointment at Wildlife and Countryside Link’s recent Hidden in the Haul report, arguing that its emphasis on top-down approaches risk undermining the practical, fisher-led mitigations needed to reduce bycatch and entanglement.

Read SCFF's full statement here

ESS report blows the inshore limits debate wide open

For years, the Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Federation (SCFF) has argued that Scotland needs a modern inshore limit: a substantial area of our coastal seas reserved for low-impact fishing, and protected from the most damaging forms of mobile bottom-contact gear. That argument is no longer simply about fairness between fishing sectors, or even about rebuilding coastal fish populations and fishing jobs. Following two major pieces of work from Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS), it is now also about whether Scottish Ministers are meeting their legal duties.

Read SCFF's op-ed here

Seal interactions survey

** OPEN UNTIL MONDAY 20TH JULY 2026**

Interactions between seals and fishing activity are regularly reported by fishermen operating in inshore areas.

SCFF is conducting a short (~10 minute) survey to better understand the nature, frequency, and geographic distribution of these interactions.

The aim is to gather evidence directly from fishermen about their experiences with seals, the effects these interactions may be having on fishing operations, and areas where further research, support and/or management action could be beneficial.

Aside from seal interactions, this survey also includes questions on diversification, alternative fishing methods, and wider business resilience within the inshore fleet.

This information will help SCFF identify opportunities for future funding, research and policy initiatives to support the long-term sustainability and adaptability of inshore low-impact fisheries.

Complete the survey here

Email updates

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