To be able to fish commercially for scallops and shellfish, fishers are required to have a scallop and/or shellfish permit on their fishing vessel. These vessels can also engage in a mixed fishery targeting other species, including other shellfish to meet market demands. The management provisions vary depending on the area fished. In a current consultation Defra state that “the cumulative impact of the hotch-potch of regulation and management is that effort is largely poorly managed, thus raising concerns about the sustainability of stocks”.

Defra are working with the Scallop Industry Consultation Group and the Shellfish Industry Advisory Group, to develop a future management programme for non-quota species.  They have identified two aspects that require further consideration: the management of the under 15m scallop fleet and latent capacity (unused licences and entitlements) within the over 10m scallop and shellfish fleet. Two separate calls for evidence have been launched on these subjects.  The aim is to identify the level of risk and impacts associated with the unrestricted fishing of the under 15m scallop fleet and existing latent capacity, and consider whether action is needed in these areas. Additional evidence might also include the impacts on biodiversity, environmental, social and economic sustainability, impacts on small businesses. The consultation closes on 30^th August.Click here to complete the online survey