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Based on that, following the reduction of the closure area, why has all fishing activity in the border area—the area that is outside the new closure area but within the original closure area—been treated equally?

That is the case in the new closure area but, outside that area, all fishing is now allowed. The original closure area has been reduced. In an area where all fishing activity was previously excluded, all activity is now allowed. Why has there been no variation between different types of activity?

So, the precautionary approach has not been applied at all in that 28 per cent of the area that you have taken out—there is no precautionary approach there; there is just a free-for-all, with any type of activity allowed.

I have a straightforward yes or no question for Mr Gibb, the cabinet secretary and Dr Needle. Is it your view that trawling and dredging have a bigger environmental impact than creeling and diving?

The consultation website says that a final version of the report can be requested from the Clyde Fishermen’s Association. As far as you are aware, is that correct?

Cabinet secretary, is that correct?

It is interesting that you say that there is no material basis or connection, because, as it is written, the Government’s consultation implies that the study was used as a basis for the decision. It says:

“Early results from the study show the presence of spawning cod in the closed area during the closure period, indicating that the closure is in the right place at the right time.”

Are you saying that that study has had no effect on the decision that has been made?

Thank you very much.

I understand that the latest proposal is that the Clyde cod closure area be reduced and that all fisheries will be able to operate outside that area, including in parts that were previously designated as closure areas.

The Scottish Government commissioned research that found that better spatial management of the trawl fishery and greater access for the creel fishery in the Clyde would generate significantly better gross value added and employment opportunities. Why has spatial management not been applied to the Clyde?

Do Mr Gibb and Dr Needle agree?