The Scottish Government has opened a consultation on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters to ensure the sustainability of the sandeel stock, as well as providing wider ecosystem benefits.

In a letter to stakeholders the Scottish Government said: ‘Given the importance of sandeel to the wider ecosystem and the subsequent benefit in aiding long-term sustainability and resilience of the marine environment, it remains an overarching Scottish Government position, which is reflected in Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy, not to support fishing for sandeel in our waters. For this reason, the UK, supported by the Scottish Government, has not allocated sandeel quota since 2021.

Following the announcement by the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands in May, the Scottish Government now wishes to consult on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in all Scottish waters.’

Photo: Charles Lamb

Reaction from the RSPB

Following the announcement from the Scottish Government, Helen McLachlan, Head of Marine Policy at RSPB Scotland said: “Having campaigned to end industrial sandeel fishing for decades, RSPB Scotland is delighted to see the Scottish Government bring forward this vital consultation, proposing to close Scottish waters to damaging industrial sandeel fishing once and for all.

“This hugely welcome proposal comes at a critical time. Ending sandeel fishing is the single greatest thing we can do right now to throw a lifeline to our most threatened species. We are calling on people across Scotland to join us in supporting this game changing proposal by taking part our e-action which will open soon.”

The RSPB went on to say ‘The proposal would have a minimal impact on Scottish fishing vessels. The vast majority of the thousands of tonnes of sandeels removed from Scottish waters each year is done by industrial trawlers, largely from Denmark to turn them fishmeal and fish oil for use in commercial livestock and aquaculture feed. As well as helping seabirds, a ban would benefit our marine mammals as well as larger fish like Salmon, and commercially targeted stocks such as Haddock and Cod. With this year’s sandeel fishing season already at an end RSPB Scotland hopes the ban will be in place in time to prevent it occurring again in 2024.’

Further information can be found on the Scottish Government website here and the RSPB statements here. The consultation runs until 13 October 2023.