Defra: ‘New rules from 1 January mean fishermen targeting certain demersal species such as haddock, sole and plaice must land all their catch. Fishermen targeting certain demersal species such as haddock, sole and plaice must land all their catch, Fisheries Minister George Eustice has announced. The demersal discard ban taking effect 1 January is the latest phase of the wider discard ban which will bring an end to the wasteful practice of throwing fish back, dead, overboard.

Commenting on the start of the demersal discard ban, Fisheries Minister George Eustice said:

‘It is essential that we put an end to discarding, and the start of the demersal ban marks a significant milestone in achieving this. We fought hard to achieve the discard ban through our reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) – it is one of the most important changes to fisheries management since the creation of the CFP and is crucial to making our fishing more sustainable. Together with careful quota management the discard ban will help us to achieve our shared ambitions of a profitable fishing industry by protecting our fish stocks for the future and safeguarding a healthy marine environment.’

The demersal ban follows the successful introduction of the pelagic landing obligation in January 2015, targeting mid-water species such as blue whiting, herring and mackerel. To support industry and help fishermen adapt, the ban will be gradually introduced in phases, and a number of flexibilities such as more freedom to bank and borrow quota and funding for new fishing gear will be available.’ 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-fishermen-see-next-phase-of-the-discard-ban-take-effect