Fisheries Management and Support Common Framework | Scottish Parliament

Fisheries Management and Support Common Framework

Author: Courtney Aitken, Annie Bosse, Sarah McKay and Damon Davies

PDF Published: Thursday 23 Jun 2022 (SB 22-34)

The image illustrate the different stages common frameworks go through as they are developed. The development comprises five phases: (1) brings together the UK Government and devolved administrations to engage in initial discussions on how the common framework should proceed. (2) focussed on detailed policy development. (3) Period of review, consultation and further policy development. (4) Framework is agreed and implemented. Scottish Parliament committees are involved in scrutiny. (5) Post-implementation arrangements.

Image: What is the process for developing frameworks ?

The diagram shows different elements of the framework, divided into legislative and non-legislative. On the legislative side, there is Retained EU law and the Fisheries Act 2020, which in turn includes the Joint Fisheries Statement, Fisheries Management Plans and the Secretary of State Fisheries Statement if required. On the non-legislative side, there is the Memorandum of Understanding and associated Operational Agreements.

Image: Framework components

The diagram shows a hierarchy of five levels. Starting at the lowest, they are: Policy leads, Working Groups, Fisheries Senior Steering Group (SSG), Senior Officials Programme Board (SOPB) EFRA Interministeral Group (IMG). To the right of the SSG, there is also a box that says 'Senior Official clearance'.

Image: Decision-making

The diagram illustrates the dispute resolution process for the framework. On the left, there are three levels, which correspond to classifications of issues. Starting at the bottom, an issue can be considered an 'difference', 'disagreement', or 'dispute'. In the middle, there is an arrow pointing upwards that indicates the direction of escalation. On the right, there are six levels at which different forums engage with the issue in question. From the bottom, these are Policy leads, Working Groups, Fisheries Senior Steering Group (SSG), Senior Officials Programme board (SOPB), EFRA Interministerial Group (IMG), Appropriate intergovernmental structures. Differences are dealt with up until Working Group level, disagreements are addressed by working groups or the SSG and disputes by the SOPB and higher.

Image: Dispute resolution

Image: Dispute resolution Ministerial level

The diagram displays the order in which disputes are dealt with. It shows a rectangle, the official level, and a triangle, the ministerial level, above the rectangle. The official level comprises officials at the bottom and senior officials above them. The Ministerial level comprises interministerial groups, above them interministerial committees, and above them the Council. A disagreement is first dealt with at the official level, signified by an arrow pointing inwards towards the bottom of the rectangle. All levels are connected by purple arrows pointing upwards which signify that the disagreement is escalated. At all levels, a blue arrow points outwards to the right-hand side to signify resolution. At the two top tiers, the interministerial committees and the Council can 'agree to disagree', signified by an orange arrow pointing to the left-hand side, at which point they are required to make a statement to legislatures.

Image: Dispute Resolution at official and Ministerial levels

Last Updated: 12/12 1:12pm

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