Clyde Seasonal Closure
Overview
Background
Since 2002, a specific area in the Firth of Clyde has been closed to fishing each year between 14 February and 30 April to protect spawning cod. This was implemented by a Scottish Statutory Instrument (SSI) annually until 2009 and on a biennial basis since.
Exemptions were previously provided for Nephrops trawlers, creel vessels and scallop dredgers in the area due to their minimal cod by catch. These exemptions were removed in 2022 and 2023 on the basis that research suggested any activity within 10 metres of the seabed potentially impacts on spawning activity. Removing all fishing activity during the spawning period was considered the best way to maximise protection and minimise disturbance, thus contributing to cod stock recovery in the Clyde.
To help balance environmental protection with the livelihoods of local fishers, the 2022 closure was refined – reducing the restricted area by approximately 28% compared to previous years. This adjustment was informed by the best available science on seabed substrate, in combination with valuable input from local fishing communities. Cod are understood to prefer spawning on harder seabed types such as coarse sand and gravel, while they are less likely to use softer sediments like mud and sand. The revised closure focused protection on these higher-quality spawning habitats, while allowing continued fishing access in surrounding areas considered less likely to support active spawning. This approach aimed to support cod recovery while minimising unnecessary disruption by fishing.
Following the next consultation in summer 2023, The Sea Fish (Prohibition on Fishing) (Firth of Clyde) Order 2024 was laid continuing the same closure area and duration for 2024 and 2025, without exemptions.
Aims
As managers of Scotland’s shared marine resource, we are committed to an evidence-led approach that balances long-term health and productivity of marine ecosystems with the socio-economic needs of communities. Around 80% of Scotland’s approximately 2000 registered vessels operate in increasingly busy inshore waters, with different users competing for access. In response, it is essential the Scottish Government develops effective and appropriate management strategies that balance environmental and sustainable economic activity in-line with our obligations under the Fisheries Act 2020.
Despite efforts to protect and enhance cod in this area via the Clyde Seasonal Closure, it has shown little signs of recovery. As such, we require a better understanding of this stock to ensure the closure is in the correct place, at the correct time; and to better explore other options open to support stock recovery in the longer term.
This consultation invites the views of stakeholders on the future of the Clyde Seasonal Closure for 2026 and beyond. It aims to gather input on supporting the recovery of spawning cod populations in the Clyde and how this can contribute to the broader regeneration of stocks. The consultation also seeks to ensure that the socio-economic impact of the closure is fully explored and understood, including options to mitigate those impacts.
We will ensure that any decisions made in relation to this policy align with wider strategic priorities, including Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy and the Inshore Fisheries Management Improvement (IFMI) Programme.
Read the consultation paper. The consultation paper contains full background information for this consultation. You may find it useful to read or refer to while responding.
Consultation questions preview
The consultation questions are included here for your reference. Please click 'Begin consultation' at the bottom of this page to proceed.
1. The Clyde Seasonal Closure should remain in place for 2026 and 2027 in the same location and during the same time period as in 2025
2. The current timing and location of the Clyde Seasonal Closure are appropriate for protecting spawning cod
3. What is your opinion of the option to carry out a three-year targeted Scientific Programme (TSP) to improve the evidence base about Clyde cod
4. Should we lay an SSI that continues until the end of the TSP (2028)?
5. The Scottish Government should work collaboratively with local fishers during the TSP to maximise data collection and improve scientific understanding
6. What is your opinion on the Scottish Government returning the Clyde Seasonal Closure to the area, duration and exemptions that were utilised from 2002 until 2022
7. Do you have any further views on alternative or complementary management measures that could be considered for the protection of cod spawning in the Firth of Clyde for 2026 and beyond?
8. With reference to management of Clyde cod, do you have views on the balance between environmental protection and the socio-economic benefits provided by our fishing industry?
Useful information about responding to this consultation
As you complete your response, each page will provide the option to 'Save and come back later' at the bottom. This means you can save your progress and return to the consultation at any time before it closes. If you don't use this feature and leave the consultation midway through, your response will be lost.
Once you have submitted your response, you can enter your email address to get a pdf copy of your answers sent to you.
On the 'About You' page at the end of this consultation, organisations will have the opportunity to tell us more about their work and/or how their response was informed.
After the consultation has closed there will be a few months delay before any responses are published. This is because we must check any responses to be published abide by our Terms of Use.
An analysis report will usually be published some months after the consultation has closed. This report will summarise the findings based on all responses submitted. It will be published on the Scottish Government website and you may be notified about it if you choose to share your email address with us. You can also join our consulation mailing list where we regularly list newly published analysis reports (as well as new consultations).
Why your views matter
Through this public consultation, the Scottish Governement is seeking views on the Clyde Cod Seasonal Closure and its supporting impact assessment:
Consultations are an essential part of policy making - it allows us to draw on the views, knowledge and expertise of a wide range of individuals, communities and stakeholders, allowing us to consider all viewpoints and support informed, evidence-based decisions.
We are reviewing the Clyde Cod Seasonal Closure to assess whether it remains effective and proportionate in protecting spawning cod and supporting stock recovery. Your input will help us understand how the closure is working in prcatice, and how it might be improved or adapted.
The evidence and views shared through this consultation will help inform decisions on the future of the closure, helping us shape a policy that is effective, practical and grounded in both science and stakeholder experience.
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