Building on recent announcements relating to the move to a harmonised minimum conservation reference size for crawfish and publication of the crab and lobster FMP, Marine Management Organisation (MMO) can now confirm the decision on the proposal to close English waters ICES area 7 for fishing crawfish.

The fishing industry shared concerns regarding the recent increase in crawfish (Palinurus spp) landings coupled with an observed increase in the size of the fishery.

MMO held a co-design workshop on 3 October 2023 with fishers to discuss the current issues with the southwest crawfish fishery, and proposed options for management in the short-term. Further information on the workshop including meeting notes and outputs is available below.

MMO proposed two initial solutions in the workshop. These were:

• An increase in the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) from 95 mm to 110 mm in English waters of ICES area 7,
• A seasonal closure of the fishery during the off-peak fishing period in English waters of ICES area 7.

Having considered the consultation responses, scientific evidence, socio-economic impacts and relevant legislation and policy, the UK Fisheries Administrations have agreed to introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in:

• English waters of ICES area 7 from 5 February to 30 April 2024.

This decision was a result of a consultation MMO ran on potential closure options from 13 November to 27 November 2023. MMO received forty responses to the consultation and would like to thank everyone who participated.

Photo by Scott Brayley

The closure has been designed to offer protection to crawfish during their spawning season, support future growth in the population, limit the risk of mortality due to fish being caught in poor condition and nets being lost in poor weather.

This closure length will protect berried and juvenile crawfish whilst balancing socio-economic considerations, fulfilling EU notification obligations and allowing the shellfish industry time to adapt business processes.

The closure will be enacted through a vessel licence variation.

Further information on a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available here.