09 Dec 2025
North Sea cod quota negotiations ignore scientific advice for zero catch
Photo by Lawrence Hookham Annual catch negotiations for the UK’s largest cod stock have failed to follow the scientific advice of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which urgently recommended zero catch to allow for population recovery. The EU, UK and Norway instead agreed a total allowable catch of 14,034 tonnes for 2026. […]
09 Dec 2025
Deep-sea mining test causes dramatic decline in seabed life
Photo by NOAA A large-scale deep-sea mining trial has caused a 37% decline in the abundance of animals living on the Pacific Ocean floor, according to the most comprehensive study of its kind published in Nature Ecology & Evolution. The research provides critical evidence as international regulators debate whether to permit commercial seabed mining. Scientists from […]
09 Dec 2025
UK overseas territories unite behind new biodiversity strategy
Photo by Rod Long The UK government and all 14 Overseas Territories have united behind a joint biodiversity strategy for the first time, setting out an ambitious framework to halt and reverse biodiversity loss across territories spanning from the Antarctic to the Caribbean. The territories are home to 94% of the UK’s unique species and host […]
09 Dec 2025
Germany launches €20 million North Sea fleet scrappage scheme
Photo by Anatol Rurac The German government has launched a €20 million support scheme to permanently reduce its North Sea fishing fleet, acknowledging sustained pressure from declining quotas, offshore wind expansion and marine protected areas. The Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Homeland announced the programme will provide public funding to support vessel decommissioning, offering what it describes […]
09 Dec 2025
UK fishing industry statistics show modest growth in 2024
Photo by Paul Einerhand The Marine Management Organisation has published its annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics for 2024, revealing modest growth in landings alongside a continued long-term decline in fishing effort. The report provides a comprehensive overview of fishing activity across all UK fishing authorities. In 2024, UK vessels landed 745 thousand tonnes of sea fish with a […]
09 Dec 2025
Air defence technology demonstrated at Aberdeen offshore wind farm
Photo by Andrés Dallimonti Air defence radar technology on wind turbines has been successfully demonstrated at Aberdeen Offshore Wind Farm, marking a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to balance clean energy expansion with national defence priorities. The work was completed by LiveLink Aerospace in collaboration with Vattenfall and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult. When […]
09 Dec 2025
UK introduces new seafood export requirements from 8 January 2026
Photo by Lisha Riabinina The UK will require seafood exporters to provide new information to generate illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing documentation through the Fish Export Service from the evening of 8 January 2026. The change comes slightly earlier than the EU’s requirement, which takes effect on 10 January, with the UK choosing this date […]
Prev