Scotland’s Future Catching Policy: selectivity proposals 2026

Currently there is a requirement that fishing vessels fitted with an electronic reporting system must transmit an Electronic Logbook (e-Log) report at least once a day and not later than 24:00 hours when at sea. E-log reports capture key information such as location, time, species caught, quantities of catch and gear used.

While this approach has proven effective for broad monitoring, it lacks a granularity of data which can miss critical detail about when, where and in what quantities fish are caught throughout the day.

We are proposing that all fishing vessels in Scottish waters that are currently required to use an electronic logbook (e-Log), move to a system of haul-by-haul reporting. In simple terms haul-by-haul reporting refers to the practice of recording detailed data for each individual fishing haul, after that haul has occurred, rather than the current system which has fishers summarise their catches at the end of a 24 hour period, or before they return to port – whichever comes first. For mobile gear fishing vessels (i.e. trawlers) this would be required after every fishing operation i.e. the nets have been deployed, towed and then recovered or “hauled” aboard. For static gear vessels (i.e. gill nets, longlines, creels) this would be required after every fleet is recovered, as opposed to after every pot or line.

Why implement haul-by-haul reporting?

Greater accuracy and detail:

• Haul-by-haul reporting provides a much more granular picture of fishing activity. It can provide an improved understanding of the spatial and temporal distribution of fish stocks, potentially leading to long-term improvements in the stock assessment and subsequent management of these species. It also provides fishers with the necessary information to allow them to avoid high concentrations of species they do not want to catch.

Improved fisheries management

• Managers can respond more quickly and precisely to changes in fish stocks, helping to maintain healthy ecosystems and support long-term sustainability. It also supports more effective spatial management measures such as real-time closures and move on rules.

Better enforcement and compliance

• Detailed haul data makes it easier to detect discrepancies or illegal fishing activity. Authorities can track fishing effort more precisely and target enforcement resources where they are most needed.

Enhanced traceability

• Haul-level data can improve supply chain transparency, allowing consumers and buyers to know more about where, when, and how seafood was caught. This can enhance market trust and add value to Scottish-caught products.

Supports Innovation and modernisation

• With modern vessel technology, recording haul-level data is increasingly feasible. This approach aligns with Scotland’s ambitions for a digital, forward-looking, and world-leading fishing industry.

While the current reporting system provides a foundation for monitoring, haul-by-haul reporting represents a significant step forward in achieving more responsive, transparent, and sustainable fisheries management. Moving toward this level of reporting would better reflect the complexity of fishing operations in Scottish waters and help ensure that Scotland’s marine resources are protected and managed for future generations.