Fishing for sandeel is to be banned in Scottish waters ahead of the 2024 fishery season, subject to Parliamentary approval.

Sandeel support the long term sustainability and resilience of the marine ecosystem and are an important food source for many species, including marine mammals, seabirds and predatory fish.

Commercial fishing for sandeel is currently carried out entirely by European vessels. In recognition of the importance of the species to marine biodiversity, no fishing quota has been allocated to UK vessels since 2021.

Photo: Glen Hooper

Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:“Sandeel are a vital part of our marine ecosystem and a critical component of the food chain in the North Atlantic. It is critical that we manage our marine environment in a such a way as to ensure its sustainable use, protecting biodiversity and ensuring healthy functioning ecosystems.

“Prohibiting all vessels from fishing for sandeel in Scottish waters will help provide long term sustainability and benefits not just for sandeel but also for seabirds, marine mammals and other fish species.

The Scottish Government consulted on proposals to close fishing for sandeel in Scottish waters in 2023, with 97% of respondents indicating support for the preferred option.

Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, said in FishFocus: “This is a political decision, driven by unrelenting NGO pressure. The reality is that ICES includes ecosystem considerations in their advice on sandeels. That includes taking into account forage feed for birds and other marine species. Their advice has never advocated the permanent closure of sandeel fisheries.

“Regardless, the UK has not issued sandeel quota to the UK fleet since Brexit, while EU vessels have managed to fish on. At least now we have parity.”

Background:

The SEA FISHING (PROHIBITION ON FISHING FOR SANDEEL) ORDER 2024 will be laid before Parliament on 5 February.

The Order is subject to a negative procedure and if approved and made, will come into force on 26 March 2024