Five new draft Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) designed to ensure the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks have opened for public consultation.
The plans, developed with input from the fishing industry, focus on specific species and regions, including North Sea and Channel sprat, cockle, queen scallop, Southern North Sea skates and rays, and non-quota species.
The consultations will run for 14 weeks, ending on 19 January 2025, allowing the industry and stakeholders to provide feedback.
UK Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner emphasised the importance of these plans, saying: “Fisheries Management Plans are vital for securing the long-term sustainability of our fish stocks, and the fishing industry that relies on them.” He urged stakeholders to contribute their expertise during the consultation process to support the UK’s fishing sector and food security.
Mike Cohen, Chief Executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, praised the FMP approach as “positive, collaborative and forward-looking,” and supported proposals to extend deadlines to allow more time for thoughtful development of the plans.
Alongside the new consultations, Defra has published the mixed flatfish FMP, incorporating feedback from last year’s consultation, including restarting the sole survey in the Thames area and setting minimum conservation reference sizes for lemon sole, turbot, and brill. FMPs are recognised internationally as being crucial for restoring and maintaining fish stocks, supporting coastal communities, and enhancing food security.
Nationwide stakeholder engagement
In addition, Defra and fisheries authorities in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland launched a separate consultation on amending deadlines for the publication of further FMPs as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement. This consultation will close on 21 November and proposes extending deadlines for several plans to allow adequate time for stakeholder engagement and high-quality development. The Joint Fisheries Statement currently lists 43 fisheries management plans.
Scottish Government Cabinet Secretary Mairi Gougeon welcomed the revised timeline, stressing that it ensures the fishing industry can meaningfully participate in the process. Wales’ Deputy First Minister Huw Irranca-Davies and Northern Ireland Minister Andrew Muir echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of stakeholder input in developing sustainable fisheries management plans.
More information about the Fisheries Management Programme can be found in the Fisheries Management Programme blog here.