Seòmar agus comataidhean

I am sorry, Mr Watson—I really appreciate your response, but we have other questions. If you could bring your comments to a close, that would be great.

Is it worth looking at that, given that we have heard this morning about the fluidity—to use a water-related word—of the Clyde area and the changes that are happening there?

Thank you for giving us the bigger picture, Professor Heath. I want to dive into a little more detail. You talked about predation and bycatch. Is there any evidence that aquaculture and its side effects, including sea lice and pesticides, have an impact on cod populations?

It is great to get a picture of the challenges around gathering data, funding and so on in relation to issues not just in the Clyde but across the marine space in Scotland. That helps us to get a better sense of what is going on, so thanks for that. I almost wish that we had spoken to you first today, because you have given us a much better context for our lines of questioning.

I would like a bit more detail on certain subjects. What are your views on the use of remote electronic monitoring, with fishing vessels being equipped with cameras to assist with data collection on cod recovery and the impact of different fishing methods? How could the Scottish Government encourage more fishers to make use of that tool and play a key part in research and monitoring?

Is that because you have not done any research in that area?

It seems that we need to go in that direction, so I will take that further and link it to the bigger picture. The joint fisheries statement will require Scotland to develop more fisheries management plans. Does Scotland need an overarching fisheries plan in order to address systemic pressures on fish stocks and marine ecosystems and bring about a just transition to sustainable fisheries? If so, what should be the key principles in that plan? It is a big question, but I would really appreciate your perspective on that.

Thank you for expanding on the possibilities around the potential for controlling equipment via satellite and so on. It is clear that we need to be moving in that direction if we want to have successful fisheries in the future.

Thank you for your statement. I will open the session for questions.

You mentioned future proofing. At the forefront of my mind is the on-going energy and cost of living crisis. Households are suffering because of energy prices and there is an urgent need to transform heating systems. Given that, how has the Scottish Government reviewed and consulted on the revised charter? Specifically, how have tenants been engaged?

How do you think that the charter needs to evolve, given the stated aim in the new deal for tenants consultation of developing a more unified rented sector with more consistent regulation?

It is good to hear that there is potential for overlap and connection between what we are doing in the committee with the social rented sector and the private rented sector proposals.