Scottish Ministers have signed off fresh rules for the Firth of Clyde, with restrictions taking effect on 14 February 2026. The Sea Fish (Prohibition on Fishing) (Firth of Clyde) Order 2026, signed by Mairi Gougeon in Edinburgh on 14 January and laid before the Scottish Parliament on 16 January, sets measures running until 13 February 2029.

The Order defines three areas-A, B and C-within the Scottish zone of the Clyde. Fishing for sea fish by any method is prohibited in Area A until 2029, subject to targeted exemptions for certain vessels and for scientific research authorised by Ministers.

Eligibility matters. A "relevant British fishing boat" is one that fished in Area A and landed sea fish at least once between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2025. These vessels may continue to fish in Area A outside the inner Areas B and C.

Access to Areas B and C is seasonal for those track-record boats: open from 1 May to 13 February each year (2026-27, 2027-28 and 2028-29), and closed from 14 February through to 30 April. The pattern formalises a late-winter and early-spring pause in parts of the Clyde.

The Order applies only to British fishing boats. Any operations carried out for scientific investigation under the authority of Scottish Ministers remain permitted.

Boundaries are set out by coordinates in the schedule, with an illustrative map referenced in the Explanatory Note. Skippers are urged to plot the points carefully before setting gear close to the lines.

Non-compliance is an offence under section 5 of the Sea Fish (Conservation) Act 1967. On summary conviction, fines can reach £50,000; on indictment, fines are unlimited. Courts may also order forfeiture of catch and any gear used, and, on summary conviction where fish are not forfeited, impose an additional fine up to their value.

The 2026 Order revokes the 2024 Clyde prohibition. It also sits alongside the South Arran Marine Conservation Order 2015, which continues to apply separate restrictions within part of the same waters.

For Northern buyers and processors, timing is key. When the inner areas close from mid-February to the end of April, supply from the west coast can tighten. Businesses in Fleetwood, Grimsby and North Shields that lean on Clyde product during open periods should plan accordingly.

For skippers, the immediate checklist is straightforward: confirm whether your vessel qualifies as a "relevant British fishing boat", keep logbook and landing evidence handy, and cross-check the coordinates against your plotter. If in doubt, contact Marine Scotland Compliance.

Key dates at a glance: in force from 14 February 2026; Area A restrictions to 13 February 2029; Areas B and C open to qualifying boats from 1 May until 13 February each year. The late-winter closure repeats annually through the 2028-29 season.

A Business and Regulatory Impact Assessment has been prepared and placed in the Scottish Parliament Information Centre. Copies are available from the Scottish Government Marine Directorate in Leith and online at legislation.gov.uk.