12. Commercial Fisheries

12.1. Introduction

1. This chapter of the Offshore Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report presents the assessment of the likely significant effects (as per the “EIA Regulations”) on the environment of the Berwick Bank Wind Farm offshore infrastructure which is the subject of this application (hereafter referred to as “the Proposed Development”) on commercial fisheries. Specifically, this chapter considers the potential impacts of the Proposed Development seaward of Mean High Water Springs (MHWS) during the construction, operation and maintenance, and decommissioning phases.
2. Likely significant effect is a term used in both the “EIA Regulations” and the Habitat Regulations. Reference to likely significant effect in this Offshore EIA Report refers to “likely significant effect” as used by the “EIA Regulations”. This Offshore EIA Report is accompanied by a Report to Inform Appropriate Assessment (RIAA) (SSER, 2022c) which uses the term as defined by the Habitats Regulations Appraisal (HRA) Regulations.
3. The assessment presented is informed by the following technical chapters:

• volume 2, chapter 9: Fish and Shellfish Ecology; and
• volume 2, chapter 13: Shipping and Navigation.
  4. This chapter summarises information contained within volume 3, appendix 12.1.

12.2. Purpose of this Chapter

5. The primary purpose of the Offshore EIA Report is outlined in volume 1, chapter 1. It is intended that the Offshore EIA Report will provide statutory and non-statutory stakeholders with sufficient information to determine the potential significant impacts of the Proposed Development on the receiving environment.
6. This Commercial Fisheries Offshore EIA Report chapter:

• presents the existing environmental baseline established from desk studies, analysis of available fisheries data and consultation with stakeholders;
• identifies any assumptions and limitations encountered in compiling the environmental information;
• presents the likely significant environmental impacts on commercial fisheries arising from the Proposed Development and reaches a conclusion on the likely significant effects on commercial fisheries, based on the information gathered and the analysis and assessments undertaken; and
• highlights any necessary monitoring and/or mitigation measures which are recommended to prevent, minimise, reduce or offset the likely significant adverse environmental effects of the Proposed Development on commercial fisheries.

12.3. Study Area

7. Fisheries data are recorded and collated by International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) statistical rectangles. The commercial fisheries study area has therefore been defined with reference to the ICES rectangles within which the Proposed Development is located. As shown in Figure 12.1   Open ▸ , these are as follows:

• ICES rectangle 41E8 - encompasses the Proposed Development array area and part of the Proposed Development export cable corridor; and
• ICES rectangles 41E7 and 40E7 - include the inshore section of the Proposed Development export cable corridor.
  8. Linking the commercial fisheries study area to ICES rectangles supports the analysis of landings data that has been collected for each ICES rectangle. The commercial fisheries study area defined in paragraph 7 and Figure 12.1   Open ▸ has been used to identify fishing activities of relevance in the immediate area of the Proposed Development. Where relevant, data and information have been analysed for wider areas to provide context and describe the wider extent of activity of the fisheries included in the assessment.

Figure 12.1: Commercial Fisheries Study Area

12.4. Policy and Legislative Context

9. Policy and legislation on renewable energy infrastructure is presented in volume 1, chapter 2 of the Offshore EIA Report. Policy specifically in relation to commercial fishing, is contained in the Scottish National Marine Plan (SNMP). A summary of SNMP policy provisions related to commercial fisheries is provided in Table 12.1   Open ▸ . This is focused on those directly of relevance to commercial fisheries in the context of the assessment presented in this chapter.

Table 12.1: Summary of SNMP Policies Relevant to Commercial Fisheries

12.5. Consultation

10. A Fisheries Liaison Officer (FLO) has been appointed to facilitate engagement with the fishing industry from the early stages of the Proposed Development. The FLO maintains regular contact with fisheries stakeholders via face-to-face meetings, e-mail and phone communications. In addition, consultation has been undertaken by the Applicant to aid the collection of baseline information to help inform the assessment, as requested by fisheries stakeholders during an initial meeting held on 16 November 2021 with the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), the North and East Coast Regional Inshore Fisheries Group (NECRIFG), the Under 10 m Association and local Fishing Industry Representatives (FIRs). Furthermore, the FLO has engaged with the wider fishing industry to collect baseline information on commercial fishing activities from relevant sectors currently not represented by local FIRs, as appropriate. More detailed information on the consultation undertaken to help inform the commercial baseline is provide in section 12.6.2 and in volume 3, appendix 12.1.
11. There have also been regular meetings at strategic level between the Applicant and SFF, and local meetings have been held at Dunbar and Eyemouth upon request of local FIRs. In addition, regular meetings are held between the Applicant and the SFF, the Scottish Whitefish Producers Association (SWFPA), N&EC RIFG and local FIRs via Microsoft Teams to provide project updates and an opportunity for fisheries stakeholders to raise any concerns and give relevant feedback. Project updates are also provided by the Applicant at the CFWG meetings.
12. A summary of the key issues raised during the consultation with commercial fisheries stakeholders undertaken to date is presented in Table 12.2   Open ▸ , including details of how these have been considered in the production of this chapter. This includes issues raised at consultation meetings with fisheries stakeholders as well as in relevant scoping opinions.
13. The Berwick Bank Wind Farm Scoping Opinion (MS-LOT, 2022) and advice provided for 2020 Berwick Bank (e.g. the 2020 Berwick Bank Scoping Opinion (MS-LOT, 2021)) which is also of relevance to the Proposed Development are summarised separately in Table 12.3   Open ▸ .

Table 12.2: Summary of Key Consultation of Relevance to Commercial Fisheries

Table 12.3 Summary of Scoping Opinions and MSS Advice of Relevance to Commercial Fisheries Provided with Regard to 2020 Berwick Bank Wind Farm Project Offshore Scoping Report Which are also of Relevance for the Proposed Development

12.6. Methodology to Inform Baseline

14. The commercial fisheries baseline has been informed through the review and analysis of available fisheries data and information from relevant publications. In addition, consultation with local fisheries stakeholders has been carried out to aid the collection of baseline information.
15. The information collected via the desktop study and consultation with fisheries stakeholder has been compiled into volume 3, appendix 12.1 with a summary provided in section 12.6.2 within this chapter.

12.6.1.              Desktop Study

16. Information on commercial fisheries within the commercial fisheries study area was collected through a detailed desktop review of existing studies and datasets. These are summarised in Table 12.4   Open ▸ .

Table 12.4: Summary of Key Fisheries Data and Information

12.6.2.              Consultation to Inform the Baseline

17. In addition to the review and analysis of publicly available fisheries data and information described in section 12.6.1, the commercial fisheries baseline has been informed through the collection of information from local fishermen active in the commercial fisheries study area.
18. An initial consultation meeting was held between the Applicant and the SFF, NECRIFG, the Under 10 m Association and local FIRs to discuss the commercial fisheries baseline in the commercial fisheries study area and the key concerns of the fishing industry with regard to the Proposed Development (Consultation meeting, 16 November 2021). During this meeting the limitations of the fisheries data and information that are publicly available were acknowledged, particularly with regard to vessels in the smaller length categories, as these are not currently satellite tracked (i.e. not included in the VMS dataset). To address these data limitations, the Applicant had initially proposed to carry out direct face to face consultation with local fishermen and fisheries organisations via the FLO using standard questionnaires. The fisheries stakeholders that participated in the meeting on the 16 November 2021, however, requested for this consultation to be carried by the local FIRs instead. To facilitate this, the Applicant provided local FIRs with consultation questionnaires for distribution amongst their members.
19. Early feedback provided by FIRs indicated that the collection of baseline information from their members via questionnaires was challenging within the timescales required by the Offshore EIA Report programme considering the time availability and other work commitments of both FIRs and fishermen. To address this issue, the Applicant offered the assistance of the FLO to FIRs for the distribution and collection of questionnaires and extended the deadlines for submission of questionnaires to maximise participation.
20. Questionnaires were initially distributed to FIRs, SFF and the Scottish White Fish Producers Association (SWFPA) on 9th December 2021 for circulation amongst their members. Consultees were asked to return completed questionnaires by 09 January 2022. The deadline to submit questionnaires was then subsequently extended to 31 January 2022. Late responses received up to 09 March 2022 have however been given consideration.
21. Two of the local FIRs (Eyemouth and Dunbar) noted that their members were not comfortable completing the questionnaires at this early stage. This was due to concerns over the use of the information they provide. These FIRs requested meetings with the Applicant for clarification and further information. Meetings were organised by the Applicant at Dunbar and Eyemouth on 31 January 2022 and 24 February 2022 respectively. Following these meetings, some of the attendees completed and returned questionnaires.
22. Some of the fishermen potentially active in areas of the Proposed Development are not represented by local FIRs, particularly nomadic scallop dredgers and visiting squid trawlers. To ensure that these vessels were also covered as part of the consultation process, both the Moray Firth squid and scallop FIRs were contacted by the FLO directly and via the SWFPA through the SFF. In addition, at the time the consultation was undertaken, there was no local FIR covering the areas of Arbroath and Montrose, therefore consultation with local vessels from these areas was undertaken directly by the FLO.
23. Following the consultation process, a total of 53 completed questionnaires were received. This included 43 creelers and ten demersal trawlers. One of the demersal trawlers that completed the questionnaire, also provided details of inshore scallop grounds. The majority of questionnaires were completed by local vessels. No questionnaires were returned by nomadic scallop dredgers and only one questionnaire was returned by a visiting squid trawler. It should be noted that nomadic scallop dredgers and visiting squid vessels tend to be in the larger size category (i.e. over 15 m in length) and therefore the spatial distribution of their activity is well represented by the available VMS data.
24. The information collected via questionnaires has been integrated in the baseline characterisation as appropriate and is described in detail in volume 3, appendix 12.1.

12.7. Baseline Environment

12.7.1.              Overview of Baseline Environment

25. The commercial fisheries study area supports a range of commercial fishing activities. Analysis of landings values and surveillance sightings indicates that the main fishing activity is demersal trawling, predominantly for Nephrops and to a much lesser extent squid, followed by creeling for lobster and crab, and dredging for scallops ( Figure 12.2   Open ▸ , Figure 12.3   Open ▸ and Figure 12.4   Open ▸ ). Vessels active in the commercial fisheries study area are predominantly UK registered vessels. As described in volume 3, appendix 12.1, activity by non-UK vessels in the Proposed Development is expected at negligible levels.
26. Activity by demersal trawlers concentrates inshore within the 6 nm limit ( Figure 12.2   Open ▸ ) with the highest landings values recorded in ICES rectangles 41E7 and 40E7 ( Figure 12.3   Open ▸ ). Landings of lobster and crab by creelers are also higher in these two inshore rectangles ( Figure 12.4   Open ▸ and Figure 12.3   Open ▸ ).
27. Activity by scallop dredgers occurs primarily in ICES rectangle 41E8, which overlaps the Proposed Development array area, with comparatively low activity taking place in inshore rectangles 40E7 and 41E7 ( Figure 12.2   Open ▸ and Figure 12.3   Open ▸ ).
28. A summary of the commercial fisheries baseline in the commercial fisheries study area is given in the following sections for each of the identified key fisheries:

• demersal trawling- Nephrops and squid fisheries;
• creeling -Lobster and crab fishery; and
• dredging -Scallop fishery.
  29. More detailed information on fishing activities, including fishing methods, operating practices and further analysis of available fisheries data and information is included in volume 3, appendix 12.1.

Figure 12.2: Surveillance Sightings by Method (2011 – 2020) (Source: MMO and Marine Scotland via Data Request on an Annual Basis, the Datasets are Explained in Summary of Key Fisheries Data and Information)

Figure 12.3: Annual UK Landings Value (£) by Method (Average 2015 – 2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.4: Annual Landings Values (£) by Species (Average 2015 – 2019) (Source: MMO)

12.7.2.              Demersal Trawling – Nephrops and Squid fishery

30. Demersal trawlers active in areas of relevance to the Proposed Development are typically between 10 m and 20 m in length and predominantly use twin rig demersal trawls to target Nephrops and single rig trawls to target squid (volume 3, appendix 12.1).
31. An indication of the distribution of fishing by demersal trawlers based on surveillance sightings, VMS data and information collected in Shelmerdine and Mouat (2021), is given in Figure 12.5   Open ▸ to Figure 12.7   Open ▸ . As shown, the distribution of activity for the most part concentrates within the 12 nm limit and predominantly within the 6 nm limit and overlaps with the inshore section of the Proposed Development export cable corridor. Activity by demersal trawlers within the Proposed Development array area is expected at very low levels.

Figure 12.5: Surveillance Sightings of Trawlers (2011 to 2020) (Source: MMO and Marine Scotland)

Figure 12.6: VMS Value (£) Demersal Trawl/Seine (Average 2015 – 2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.7:  Combined Fishing Activity of Trawls (Shelmerdine and Mouat, 2021)

Nephrops fishery

32. Demersal trawlers engaged in the Nephrops fishery concentrate their activity in the commercial fisheries study area in ICES rectangles 41E7 and 40E7, within sectors of suitable muddy substrate including the inshore section of the Proposed Development export cable corridor ( Figure 12.8   Open ▸ to Figure 12.11   Open ▸ ). Activity occurs at highest intensities in grounds located within the 6 nm limit in the area coinciding with the presence of Nephrops preferred habitat.
33. The level of overlap between the Proposed Development export cable corridor and defined Nephrops habitat is however relatively small (approximately 31.4 km2, which represents approximately 3.2% of the overall Nephrops habitat identified in the Firth of Forth Nephrops FU) ( Figure 12.9   Open ▸ ). Negligible activity levels are expected within the Proposed Development array area ( Table 12.10   Open ▸ ).
34. Nephrops are targeted all year-round. However, in the commercial fisheries study area, highest landings values tend to be recorded in the summer from June to August, typically peaking in July. Relatively high landings values are also recorded from November to January ( Figure 12.12   Open ▸ ). Similarly, during consultation with fisheries stakeholders, the year-round nature of the fishery was noted and the periods between May to July and October to January were reported as the main fishing season in the Firth of Forth and in grounds off Dunbar, respectively (volume 3, appendix 12.1).

Figure 12.8: Nephrops Landings (Annual Average 2015 -2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.9: Nephrops Functional Units and Suitable Nephrops Habitat (Source: Marine Scotland)

Figure 12.10: VMS Intensity for Nephrops and Crustaceans Bottom Trawls (Average 2009 -2017) (Source: Marine Scotland)

Figure 12.11: Trawling Grounds (Nephrops and Squid) Identified during Consultation

Figure 12.12: Monthly Nephrops Landings (£) in the Commercial Fisheries Study Area (average 2015 -2019) (Source: MMO)

Squid fishery

35. In addition to Nephrops, some of the local demersal trawlers active in the commercial fisheries study area target squid on a seasonal basis. Visiting vessels based in other areas in the north-east coast of Scotland may also target squid in the commercial fisheries study area at times.
36. As shown in Figure 12.2   Open ▸ , overall, landings of squid within the commercial fisheries study area are low compared to those recorded in other areas off the east coast of Scotland and are for the most part recorded in inshore rectangles 41E7 and 40E7, with limited landings in rectangle 41E8, where the Proposed Development array area is located.
37. Squid grounds are often located in inshore areas; however, their location may vary from year to year and activity generally moves further offshore as the season progresses. The level of activity and distribution of this fishery will consequently vary depending on year and period within the season.
38. There is no recent publicly available squid specific data layers showing fishing activity around the Proposed Development, however, historic data (Kafas et al., 2013 and Kafas et al., 2014) suggest that squid fishing activity within the commercial fisheries study area for the most part tends to concentrate in inshore areas ( Figure 12.14   Open ▸ and Figure 12.15   Open ▸ ). This is consistent with information collected during consultation with local fisheries stakeholders ( Figure 12.11   Open ▸ ).
39. Overlap with the Proposed Development for the most part appears to be limited to nearshore areas around the Proposed Development export cable corridor. In addition, although at low levels, some activity has been recorded within the Proposed Development array area ( Figure 12.11   Open ▸ , Figure 12.14   Open ▸ and Figure 12.15   Open ▸ ).
40. In recent years, within the commercial fisheries study area, landings of squid have been recorded predominantly over late summer/early autumn, peaking in September ( Figure 12.16   Open ▸ ). In line with this, local fishermen targeting squid in the commercial fisheries study area reported during consultation that the main squid season runs between August and December (volume 3, appendix 12.1).

Figure 12.13: Squid Landings by Value (£) (Annual Average 2015 - 2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.14: Under 15 m Trawls Excluding Nephrops Trawls Monetary Value (ScotMap, 2014)

Figure 12.15: Squid – Amalgamated VMS Intensity (2009 -2013) (Kafas et al., 2013)

Figure 12.16: Monthly Landings of Squid by Value (£) in the Commercial Fisheries Study Area (average 2015 -2019) (Source: MMO)

12.7.3.              Creeling - Lobster and Crab Fishery

41. Creelers active in the commercial fisheries study area are generally under 10 m in length and predominantly target inshore grounds, including the nearshore section of the Proposed Development export cable corridor. Some vessels, however, are known to target grounds further offshore including areas withing the Proposed Development array area ( Figure 12.17   Open ▸ to Figure 12.22   Open ▸ ).
42. Within the commercial fisheries study area, the highest landings values for lobster and crab are recorded in inshore rectangles 41E7 and 40E7. Although at comparatively lower levels these species are also landed from rectangle 41E8, where the Proposed Development array area is located ( Figure 12.18   Open ▸ ).
43. The lobster and crab fishery is active all year round, with landings reported throughout the year. Analysis of recent landings in the commercial fisheries study area (2015 - 2019), suggests that higher values are generally recorded in the summer and autumn months, peaking around August ( Figure 12.23   Open ▸ ). The year-round importance of the fishery was noted by local fishermen during consultation (volume 3, appendix 12.1).

Figure 12.17: Surveillance Sightings of Creelers (2011 to 2020) (Source: MMO and Marine Scotland)

Figure 12.18: Lobster and Crab Landings by Value (£) (Annual Average 2015 – 2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.19:  Combined Fishing Activity for Creels (Shelmerdine and Mouat, 2021)

Figure 12.20: Creel Fishing Effort (Average No. of Crab and Lobster Hauls per Day) (Marine Scotland, 2017)

Figure 12.21: Creel Positions (2022) (SWFPA, 2022)

Figure 12.22: Creeling Grounds identified during Consultation

Figure 12.23: Monthly Lobster and Crab Landings in the Commercial Fisheries Study Area (Average 2015-2019) (Source: MMO)

12.7.4.              Dredging – Scallop Fishery

44. The Scottish scallop fishery is split into two main fleets; a category of smaller vessels (generally under 15 m in length) that work in inshore areas, and a category of larger vessels (generally above 15 m in length) that work further offshore and are typically nomadic in nature.
45. Activity by scallop dredgers within the commercial fisheries study area occurs at moderate levels and concentrates for the most part in ICES rectangle 41E7, including the area of the Proposed Development array area, particularly along its western section ( Figure 12.24   Open ▸ , Figure 12.25   Open ▸ , and Figure 12.27   Open ▸ ). Some activity has also been reported from ICES rectangle 41E7; however, this shows limited overlap with the Proposed Development concentrating to the west of the Proposed Development array area. Vessels active in these offshore areas are expected to be predominantly nomadic vessels. Whilst these areas support scallop dredging activity at some levels, comparatively more productive scallop grounds are found beyond the commercial fisheries study area in other areas off Scotland and the rest of the UK ( Figure 12.28   Open ▸ ).
46. In addition to offshore activity by nomadic vessels, some local activity in nearshore areas has also been reported. This is expected to be undertaken by smaller local vessels and occur at very low levels, with limited overlap with the inshore section of the Proposed Development export cable corridor ( Figure 12.22   Open ▸ , Figure 12.24   Open ▸ and Figure 12.27   Open ▸ ).
47. Scallop dredging is undertaken all year round. In recent years, higher landings have been recorded over the spring and summer months, peaking in May ( Figure 12.30   Open ▸ ).
48. It is also important to note that the scallop fishery is cyclical in nature, and productive grounds rotate around the UK on a seven to eight-year cycle (Cappel et al., 2018). An indication of the annual variation/cycle of the scallop fishery in the commercial fisheries study area is given in Figure 12.31   Open ▸ .

Figure 12.24: Surveillance Sightings of Dredgers (2011 to 2020) (Source: MMO and Marine Scotland)

Figure 12.25: Scallop Landings by Value (£) (Average 2015- 2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.26: Combined Fishing Activity for Scallop Dredgers (Source: Shelmerdine and Mouat, 2021)

Figure 12.27: UK VMS Value (£) Dredges (Average 2015 – 2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.28: UK VMS Value (£) Dredges UK Wide (Average 2015 -2019) (Source: MMO)

Figure 12.29: Inshore Scallop Grounds Identified during Consultation

Figure 12.30: Monthly Landings of Scallop Dredgers in the Commercial Fisheries Study Area (average 2015 -2019)

Figure 12.31: Annual Variation in the Landings of Scallops in the Commercial Fisheries Study Area (2010 to 2019)

12.7.5.              Future Baseline Scenario

49. The EIA Regulations ((The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017, The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017, The Marine Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2007 and The Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017)), require that a “a description of the relevant aspects of the current state of the environment (baseline scenario) and an outline of the likely evolution thereof without development as far as natural changes from the baseline scenario can be assessed with reasonable effort, on the basis of the availability of environmental information and scientific knowledge” is included within the Offshore EIA Report.
50. In the event that the Proposed Development does not come forward, an assessment of the future baseline conditions has been carried out and is described within this section.
51. As described in section 12.7, demersal trawling for Nephrops and squid, creeling for lobster and crab and scallop dredging are the main fishing activities that take place in the commercial fisheries study area. These are all well-established fisheries with well-defined fishing grounds, particularly in the case of the Nephrops and the scallop fishery, given the substrate requirements of the target species. Therefore, in general terms, the main fishing grounds could be expected to remain consistent in the future.
52. In the particular case of creeling, local vessels are increasingly targeting offshore areas, and therefore there may be potential for increased activity in areas offshore of the Proposed Development in the future. This will however be strongly dependent on the operational capabilities of the vessels in question and the potential for conflict with other fisheries (i.e. static gear/mobile gear conflicts).
53. In addition, the implementation of fisheries management measures within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) such as spatial closures for certain fishing methods may affect the future distribution and levels of fishing activity in the commercial fisheries study area. Spatial management measures are currently undergoing consultation to restrict fishing activity by demersal trawlers and dredgers to protect features of the Firth of Forth Banks Complex MPA, including within areas that overlap with the Proposed Development array area. More information on these management measures is provided in volume 3, appendix 12.1).
54. Over time, global climate change will result in changes to the marine environment, including on fish and shellfish populations of commercial importance. This could result in modifications to commercial fisheries practices in response to changes in species distribution, abundance and/or seasonal trends. In addition, changes in other factors such as, fishing gear methods and efficiency, fisheries legislation and regulations, including changes associated with the UK exit from the EU, or changes in the market may also influence the baseline. At this stage, it is not possible however to predict what these changes (e.g. climate change, changes in the fishing industry, UK exit from the EU etc) may entail and how they may affect activities within the commercial fisheries study area therefore it has been assumed that the current baseline assessment presented reflects the future baseline scenario also.

12.7.6.              Data Limitations and Assumptions

55. As described in the UK Sea Fisheries Statistics 2020 Report (MMO, 2021), multiple factors impact fishing activity and landings tend to fluctuate considerably over time. In 2020, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic (where effects were felt from March 2020) resulted in considerable impacts on commercial fishing. Like all parts of the UK economy, the pandemic had differential impacts on different sectors of the fishing industry. Overall, shellfish fisheries were hit most severely as shellfish species tend to be landed and sold fresh for use in the hospitality sector and demand from this sector in the UK and abroad dropped dramatically as lockdowns were being imposed across the UK and EU.
56. Whilst landings statistics for 2020 are now available, data for this year is not considered representative of normal fishing activities due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the case of shellfish fisheries. As such, 2020 data has not been included within this report. This approach was agreed with fisheries stakeholders during the meeting held on 16 November 2021 ( Table 12.2   Open ▸ ). Final fisheries statistics for 2021 are not expected to be made publicly available until late 2022.
57. In addition to limitations associated with 2020 data, a number of limitations have been identified in relation to the fisheries datasets publicly available. These are described in detail in Table 12.4   Open ▸ and include issues associated with the potential for some historic datasets to not be fully representative of current activities, issues with the classification of fishing methods used in the statistical datasets and variation in the frequency over which some data are collected. Limitations with regards to available spatial data on fisheries is more evident for smaller vessels (under 15 m in length).
58. To address these issues, consultation with the fisheries stakeholders, including local fishermen, has been undertaken to help inform the baseline characterisation (see section 12.6.2).

12.8. Key Parameters for Assessment

12.8.1.              Maximum Design Scenario

59. The maximum design scenarios identified in Table 12.5   Open ▸ have been selected as those having the potential to result in the greatest effect on an identified receptor or receptor group. These scenarios have been selected from the details provided in volume 1, chapter 3 of the Offshore EIA Report. Effects of greater adverse significance are not predicted to arise should any other development scenario, based on details within the Project Design Envelope (e.g. different infrastructure layout), to that assessed here, be taken forward in the final design scheme.

Table 12.5: Maximum Design Scenario Considered for Each Impact as Part of the Assessment of Likely Significant Effects Commercial Fisheries

12.8.2.              Impacts Scoped out of the Assessment

60. On the basis of the baseline environment and the project description outlined in volume 1, chapter 3 of the Offshore EIA Report, no impacts have been proposed to be scoped out of the assessment for commercial fisheries.