Scotland has confirmed a new Firth of Clyde fishing regime aimed at rebuilding inshore fish populations while keeping coastal livelihoods in view. The statutory order takes effect on 14 February 2026 and establishes a multi‑year framework running to mid‑February 2029. It replaces the 2024 closure instrument and continues a limited provision for authorised scientific work. ([consult.gov.scot](Link

The order divides the Firth of Clyde into three defined zones. Area A restricts access to vessels with an historic track record, while Areas B and C are closed during the core spawning window and reopen outside that period. The design keeps fishing pressure down where it matters most, but preserves tightly controlled access for boats that have traditionally worked these grounds. ([gov.scot](Link

Access turns on clear history. Only a “relevant British fishing boat” - a UK‑registered vessel that fished Area A and made at least one landing from there between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025 - can operate in Area A. In Areas B and C, those same track‑record vessels may fish from 1 May to 13 February each year; from 14 February to 30 April the closure applies in full. Scientific sampling may proceed only with ministerial authority. ([gov.scot](Link

The science case is straightforward. Cod gather to spawn in late winter and early spring, a period when disturbance can disrupt mating. Marine Directorate scientists note that cod perform lek‑like courtship on coarse sediments; research cited by government indicates that any activity within roughly ten metres of the seabed can interfere with spawning. Removing fishing activity during the brief peak aims to boost recruitment. ([blogs.gov.scot](Link

Government impact papers acknowledge trade‑offs. Around 52 vessels have been active in the Clyde closure area since 2022, and for some, the 11‑week shutdown removes a meaningful slice of winter income. Prior analysis estimated that fishing once exempt from the closure represented about 5% of the affected fleet’s annual value in 2017–2021, with the burden falling unevenly on a handful of boats. ([gov.scot](Link

There are climate considerations too. Displacement to more distant grounds during the closed weeks can increase fuel use and emissions, though the targeted scientific programme proposed for 2026–2028 should help refine measures so they deliver ecological gains with fewer unintended costs. ([gov.scot](Link

Monitoring and compliance will step up. Ministers plan to use vessel tracking and, where appropriate, Remote Electronic Monitoring (REM) to underpin the closure and the scientific work. Separate REM regulations are already in force for scallop boats and will apply to pelagic vessels from 7 March 2026, strengthening the evidence base and enforcement capacity. ([gov.scot](Link

The Clyde order sits alongside existing spatial protections. The South Arran Nature Conservation MPA has its own gear rules, protecting sensitive habitats used by juvenile fish and invertebrates. Keeping these layers aligned matters for both stock recovery and day‑to‑day fishery planning. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

This move also fits into a wider reset on cod. Since 2023, ICES has assessed “Northern Shelf cod” as a single unit spanning the North Sea, West of Scotland and adjacent waters, with governments commissioning work to tailor measures to sub‑stock patterns. For 2026, the UK‑EU‑Norway process agreed a 625‑tonne TAC for West of Scotland cod - a reminder that Clyde measures operate within broader quota decisions. ([gov.scot](Link

For coastal communities, the next six weeks are about preparation. Vessels with a qualifying track record should ensure documentation is in order and plan around the 14 February–30 April shut‑in for Areas B and C. Scientists and skippers working under permit can help fill crucial data gaps during the open months, shaping smarter Clyde management for 2027–2029. Penalties for breaches remain significant under the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967. ([consult.gov.scot](Link