Image source, bbc

MSPs are discussing updates to the Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Regulations 2016, which regulates the killing of salmon in areas across Scotland.

The system includes 'catch and release' in areas where there are concerns about the conservation of wild salmon.

There's been a motion to annul this, as angling groups have previously said that Marine Scotland's data is completely flawed, and the system could be damaging for their clubs and local communities.

The committee's papers can be found here - http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/S5_Environment/Meeting%20Papers/20180320__UPDATED_Public_Papers.pdf, external

Image source, Marine harvest

The environment secretary will now briefly discuss the Conservation of Salmon (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2018 with the committee.

She is joined by:

• Dr John Armstrong of Marine Scotland Science
• Simon Dryden from Marine Scotland

That ends the evidence session on the environmental implications of Brexit.

The convener suspends the committee for five minutes.

Image source, bbc

Brexit Minister Mike Russell says the Scottish EU Continuity Bill has undergone far more scrutiny at Holyrood than the EU Withdrawal Bill at Westminster.

Mr Russell says he has championed this increase in scrutiny.

He says the frameworks can only work within the context of the partners being treated equally.

Image source, PA

Scottish and Welsh environment ministers met last August to co-ordinate opposition to Brexit legislation.

The two administrations fear the Westminster government is planning to take over powers which are currently devolved, but exercised in Brussels.

Scottish Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said a UK-wide framework for green targets could hold Scotland back.

UK ministers have insisted that any changes after Brexit will enhance, not reduce, environmental protection.

Environment Secretary Michael Gove has targeted a "green Brexit" which would strengthen current rules safeguarding nature wherever possible.

Read more here.

Environmental governance gaps will need to be addressed, says the cabinet secretary, and she notes some of these issues are being dealt with in the EU Continuity Bill.

Ms Cunningham notes the UK government's commitment to consult on the issues in England and accepts there needs to be proper consideration of how this will be progressed in Scotland.

In terms of a common framework, she suggests a councils of ministers may be appropriate and discussions are likely to continue throughout the summer.

First the governance gaps must be identified and then appropriate handling will be discussed, the environment secretary says.

David Porter
Scotland Westminster editor

Image source, James Duncan

Scottish Conservative MPs representing areas with fishing communities will meet Prime Minister Theresa May and Conservative chief whip Julian Smith in Downing Street this lunchtime to raise their concerns about the transitional period after Brexit.

Under the draft deal, the European Union will continue to set fishing quotas.

It means, in effect, that the UK will remain part of the Common Fisheries Policy during this period.

A number of Scottish Conservative MPs have voiced concerns that they believe the UK government could be accused of betrayal.

Number Ten insists it had secured specific safeguards -- for the fishing industry.

Others say it is now vital the UK government secures a good deal for Scottish fishermen at the end of the transition or implementation period.

Tory MSP John Scott asks about the need for a seasonal working scheme.

Mr Russell says he and the rural economy secretary have raiswed this on a number of occasions but is still none the wiser.

Image source, bbc

The Brexit minister say: "There is a huge reluctance to address these issues."

He says: "There is no master plan of how you get from A to B on this."

Mr Scott asks if freedom of movement is guaranteed until 2020, lessening the need for a seasonal working scheme.

The minister say freedom of movement is guaranteed until then, but says there is still a need for a schemed, because there is an attrition on the number of people wanting to come to the UK year to year, because they don't feel welcome.

"We will rise to the challenge, whatever the challenge is," Mr Russell says.

He suggests the UK government's negotiating style is to not accept anything from the EU at the beginning, but ending up accepting everything and claiming it as a triumph at the end.

We have to be able to judge what the likelihood is of certain agreements and act accordingly, the minister states.

Labour MSP Alex Rowley asks if the Scottish government feels it is having any influence.

Ms Cunningham says there have been several meetings of environment ministers and Defra has been "ahead of the game" in terms of the width of discussions.

However, the environment secretary adds that after seven meetings there is a question mark over the effect of the discussions.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Richard Lyle asks if you don't know what someone is doing or planning how can you plan with them?

Mr Lyle says the Scottish government don't know the rules and don't know what will happen.

Ms Cunningham says: "I think we are in a sea of uncertainty at the moment."

The environment minister channels her inner Rumsfeld saying she is concerned about the "unknown unknowns".

Image source, bbc

Mr Ruskell says the CFP deals with the ecology of the marine environment.

There is still discussion ongoing on the marine environment post-Brexit, says Ms Cunningham.

SNP MSP Joan McAlpine raises the issues around food standards and asks if we are any closer to resolution.

Ms Cunningham says she has not heard any partner organisaton or stakeholder say we are any closer to a resolution, but says there is a "better conversation" around the issues.

The UK and EU have agreed on a "large part" of the agreement that will lead to the "orderly withdrawal" of the UK.

Negotiators Michel Barnier and David Davis saidthe deal on what the UK calls the implementation period, externalwas a "decisive step" in the Brexit process.

But issues still to be resolved include the Northern Ireland border.

And Scotland's fishing industry has reacted angrily to the deal, which will see the UK "consulted" on quotas and access to its waters until 2021.

Brexit Secretary Mr Davis said Monday's transition agreement, which is conditional on both sides agreeing a final withdrawal treaty, would smooth the path to a future permanent relationship.

• Laura Kuenssberg: Done deal but work ahead
• EU fishing deal 'far from acceptable'
• Brexit: All you need to know
• Read more here

Green MSP Mark Ruskell asks about progress on a shared analysis of the principles behind the Common Fisheries Policy and what a pan-UK framework after Brexit will look like.

Mr Russell says: "The CFP has not been fit for purpose for many of Scotland's fishing communities."

However, he adds Rural Affairs Minister Fergus Ewing would be best placed to comment.

The minister suggests that those who claimed the CFP would end in March 2019 were "guilty of a cruel deception".

Image source, Getty Images

The UK's agreement to keep EU fishing policies during the Brexit transition period has been described as a "betrayal" to coastal communities.

Scottish Conservative MP John Lamont made the comment after Brexit negotiators hailed a "decisive step".

If the agreement is implemented, the EU will "consult" the UK on quotas and access to its waters until 2021.

The Daily Telegraph, external says Tory critics of the deal are planning to protest on a boat on the Thames by Parliament.

• UK and EU agree Brexit transition terms
• Deal is done - but work remains
• What is the Brexit implementation period?

Mr Lamont said: "Brexit is a huge opportunity for our fishing communities including those in my constituency. After the implementation period is over, full control over our waters must come back to the United Kingdom from Brussels.

"Anything less will be a betrayal of our fishing communities who voted for Brexit in large numbers."

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham says this is a major challenge and at a UK level that is costing £1.3bn, with Defra getting a higher proportion due to the challenges.

Ms Cunningham says Scotland will only get around £37.3m.

She says these are very complicated issues and details just one example of the extreme complexity with pollution regulations.

The minister says MSPs need not take notes on this, so neither shall we, suffice to say it sounds very complicated!

Image source, PA

The Scottish and Welsh first minister have proposed putting a limit on the length of time Westminster can "freeze" any devolved powers after Brexit.

Nicola Sturgeon and Carwyn Jones hope the "sunset clause" proposal could end the deadlock with the UK government.

They have written to Labour peers in the House of Lords asking them to support an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill.

Ms Sturgeon and Mr Jones met the prime minister for talks earlier this week.

The talks again ended without agreement being reached over what happens to powers in devolved areas that return to the UK after Brexit.

But Ms Sturgeon was noticeably more upbeat than after previous meetings, and appeared hopeful that an agreement would ultimately be reached.

• Brexit deal 'can be done' - Sturgeon

Labour MSP Alex Rowley says a dispute resolution mechanism is key to ensuring all the nations of the UK come to the table as equals.

Mr Russell agrees, saying this is the basis of the Scottish government's work with the Welsh government.

Mr Rowley also asks about engagement.

Discussions with stakeholders are going ahead as normal, the minister says, adding he has a busy engagement schedule over the coming weeks.

Michael Russell says part of the Scottish government's responsibilities when negotiating with the UK government is to ensure sectoral priorities are considered, noting the migration paper has now been delayed until later this year.

Image source, bbc

MSPs have agreed to rein in powers Scottish ministers would take on as part of the Brexit legislation being considered at Holyrood.

A Scottish bill has been tabled as an alternative to the Westminster EU Withdrawal Bill, amid an ongoing row over post-Brexit powers.

More than 230 possible amendments to the bill were considered by MSPs.

Many were rejected, but more than 20 were voted through in a bid to strengthen the legislation.

It eventually passed its stage 2 debate after a marathon 11-hour session.

• What is a continuity bill?

• Coverage of the Brexit bill scrutiny on Holyrood Live

Brexit Minister Mike Russell says: "Let's accentuate the positive."

Mr Russell says we started with all 111 devolved areas on the UK government's list going to Westminster.

The minister says we are now down to 24, although the UK government reserves the right to add to the list at any time.

Image source, bbc

Mr Russell says there has been a "deep dive exercise on all of this" to discuss what framework might be required.

He says there must be consent or agreement on the use of the powers, but without agreement the Scottish government will continue with the Scottish EU Continuity Bill, which he hopes will pass tomorrow.

Join us for extensive coverage of the final debate and vote from 2.40pm!