Effective governance, transparency and the promotion and attainment of best practice across the sphere of fisheries management are essential to the role of DSFBs and Fisheries Trusts in Scotland. Fisheries Management Scotland encourages best practice through the development of policies on specific issues and the production of guidance to assist DSFBs in carrying out their statutory responsibilities in the most effective and consistent manner. Good corporate governance and the adoption of best operational and technical practice are key cornerstones of sound management.

ASFB originally developed a Code of Good Practice for DSFBs in 2011, and subsequently updated it in 2014. The code set out the key governing principles and general standards which DSFBs should follow. The code is designed to ensure a rigorous and consistent approach across the DSFB network, but one which allows solutions to be tailored to local conditions and catchment management. The importance of the Code is highlighted by the legislative requirements of the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 which places DSFBs under a legal requirement to observe a number of good governance requirements. Fisheries Management Scotland have created an interim update of the Code of Good Practice, and this will be reviewed further.

RAFTS developed a similar Code of Good Governance for Scotland’s Charitable Rivers and Fishery Trusts which sets out key governing principles and general standards of operation and practice which Trusts should follow. The production of the Code followed extensive consultation and development with member trusts. Fisheries Management Scotland will be reviewing this Code and developing an updated version.

Other Documents

Fisheries Management Scotland Articles of Association
Scottish Government guidance on the good governance provisions in the Aquaculture and Fisheries (Scotland) Act 2013 (Aug 2013)