Essential spawning grounds of Scottish herring: current knowledge and future challenges

Abstract Scotland once had the largest herring fishery globally, generating local income, identity, and societal change. Following historic stock collapse, in spring 2018/2019 large shoals were observed on west coast for first time decades, at a formerly important spawning ground. This highlights urgency of maintaining (and contemporary) benthic habitat, which these fish rely upon, good condition. However, information exact location, characteristics, status contemporary grounds, if existing, is not easily accessible. We searched over 1190 literature sources, dating back to 1884, using scientific databases web-based searches, ran query automated search comprehensive reports. present current knowledge Scottish retrieved through searches fisher interviews, maps showing discuss challenges arising from methods used recognize grounds. Knowledge gaps regarding location environmental past particularly relevant Scotland’s coast, are identified. Based importance specific physical variables reproductive success, we advocate inclusion essential grounds into management plans. will require additional data including ecological rarely considered. An inclusive ecosystem-based approach would allow more targeted actions conserve potentially restore) habitat. More effective strategies also call reversing (global) issue disconnect between different stakeholder groups. Graphical abstract