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46 results

  • Consultation on the proposed amendments to Annex A of the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). Ymgynghoriad ar ddiwygiadau arfaethedig i Atodiad A i’r Cyd-ddatganiad ar Bysgodfeydd

    We are seeking your views on proposed amendments to Annex A of the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). The JFS was published in November 2022 by the four UK fisheries policy authorities (the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland), as required by the Fisheries Act 2020. The JFS sets out the future direction of UK fisheries management. In this consultation we are seeking your views... More
    Closed 21 November 2024

  • Call for evidence – Stage 4 fishing in marine protected areas

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking additional evidence and views to support Stage 4 of the assessment and management of fishing in offshore marine protected areas (MPAs). Stage 4 considers the impacts of fishing on offshore MPAs designated for highly mobile species: harbour porpoise and marine birds. Stage 4 is part of MMO’s work to assess and manage fishing activities for the protection of MPAs offshore of 6 nautical miles (nm) from... More
    Closed 13 February 2024

  • Remote electronic monitoring

    Proposals for expanding the use of remote electronic monitoring in English waters This consultation launches Defra’s vision for expanding the use of remote electronic monitoring in English waters. It proposes an approach to the long-term adoption of remote electronic monitoring that moves from pilots to fishery wide implementation alongside policy reforms such as Fisheries Management Plans and a new approach to managing discards . It is part of an ongoing package of... More
    Closed 9 October 2023

  • Discards reform

    Discarding is when unwanted catches of fish are thrown back to sea, dead or alive, during commercial fishing operations. This is a complex problem with no easy solution. There is a discarding ban in place, called the landing obligation, but it has not been effective in changing fishing practices. We need a different approach. The discards reform consultation sets out proposals to change the way we manage discards in England. This will contribute to achieving the bycatch objective of... More
    Closed 9 October 2023

  • Consultation on the proposed Seabass Fisheries Management Plan. Ymgynghoriad ar y Cynllun Rheoli Pysgodfa arfaethedig ar gyfer Draenogiaid Môr

    The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposed Bass Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) and the policies and proposed measures it contains. We are also seeking your views on the likely environmental impacts of the Bass FMP set out in the environmental report. Bass contributes culturally, socially, and economically to coastal communities through, for example, employment and recreational fishing interests. However, a combination of overfishing and poor year class... More
    Closed 1 October 2023

  • Consultation on the proposed Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel Mixed Flatfish Fisheries Management Plan (FMP)

    The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposed Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed Flatfish Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) and the policies and proposed measures it contains. We are also seeking your views on the likely environmental impacts of the FMP set out in the environmental report.  The Flatfish FMP applies to lemon sole, witch, turbot, brill, dab, flounder, Atlantic halibut, plaice and sole in English waters within International Council for... More
    Closed 1 October 2023

  • Consultation on the proposed King Scallop Fisheries Management Plan. Ymgynghoriad ar y Cynllun Rheoli Pysgodfa arfaethedig ar gyfer Cregyn y Brenin

    The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposed King Scallop Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), its policies and proposed measures. We are also seeking your views on the likely environmental impacts of the King Scallop FMP set out in the environmental report. King scallops have been prioritised due to the stock’s vulnerability to over-exploitation, the economic value of the fishery and a lack of evidence to properly assess and monitor the state of the stock.  ... More
    Closed 1 October 2023

  • Formal Consultation - MMO management of fishing activity impacts in highly protected marine areas

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is consulting on a proposed byelaw to prohibit fishing activity to protect and allow full recovery of all species and habitats and associated ecosystem processes in the following three English highly protected marine areas (HPMAs). Allonby Bay Dolphin Head North East of Farnes Deep Questions to consider Please provide us with any information you feel could be... More
    Closed 14 September 2023

  • Permitting regimes for the recreational targeting of bluefin tuna in UK waters

    We are seeking your views on the design of UK permitting regimes for the recreational fishing of Eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna. More
    Closed 4 September 2023

  • Fisheries: Proposed removal of the quota finfish licence cap on English 10 metre and under vessels

    Just under a quarter of English registered 10 metre and under (u10m) vessels are subject to a limit, or cap, of 350kg on the amount of finfish quota species they can fish per annum. The cap was introduced to help manage the utilisation of quota available to this section of the fleet who fish for quota species from the u10m quota pool. In recent years the level of quota in the pool has increased, partly as a result of Brexit, with the pool not being fully utilised. Licence capping is... More
    Closed 30 August 2023

  • Consultation on Spatial Management Measures for Industrial Sandeel Fishing

    Sandeels are integral to the marine ecosystem of the North Sea. They are highly sensitive to changing environmental conditions and the increased effects of climate change can negatively impact the health of the North Sea sandeel stocks. This pressure combined with the continued removal of sandeels through industrial fishing methods risks further declines of threatened and vulnerable species in the wider marine environment, which rely on sandeels as a food source. Defra are considering new... More
    Closed 30 May 2023

  • Formal Consultation, Lyme Bay Potential Management Measures for Sole Fishery

    The MMO is consulting on potential new management measures for the sole fishery in Lyme Bay. This is in response to feedback from some fishers in Lyme Bay who have experienced competition for space and gear conflict. Some fishers also report a reduction in the amount and size of sole caught. The total available quota for sole in Area 7.e has more than doubled since 2015.  This allowed the MMO to increase the monthly catch limits for the non-sector, under-10m and over-10m fleets from... More
    Closed 28 May 2023

  • Call for evidence – gear-feature interactions in marine protected areas - Stage 3

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking additional evidence and views on our draft ' Stage 3 Fishing Gear MPA Impacts Evidence' documents in relation to the impacts of fishing on designated features in marine protected areas (MPAs). These documents collate and analyse the best available evidence on the impacts of fishing gears on MPA features and will inform site level assessments of the impact of fishing on MPAs as part of Stage 3 of the... More
    Closed 28 March 2023

  • Formal Consultation - MMO management of fishing activity impacts in marine protected areas - Stage 2

    Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking views on a draft byelaw, and associated Impact Assessment, to manage fishing using bottom towed gear in specified areas in 13 marine protected areas (MPAs). This byelaw is part of Stage 2 of the MMO's work to manage fishing in England’s offshore MPAs. Stage 2 focusses on the management of bottom towed gear over rock, and rocky and biogenic reef features. These features are some of the most sensitive to the impacts of bottom towed... More
    Closed 28 March 2023

  • Managing flyseine vessel pressure on demersal Non-Quota Species

    The Fisheries White Paper, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations, 2018 sets out the UK’s commitment to reshape fisheries management following our departure from the EU. Continuing to champion sustainable fishing and adopting management measures to rebuild and maintain stocks in the long term is central to future management. Non-Quota Species (NQS) are stocks not subject to a Total Allowable Catch. They are often high value, potentially vulnerable and generally... More
    Closed 16 November 2022

  • Consultation on Managing Quota in 2023 and Beyond

    The UK is now an independent coastal state with rights and duties under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea to control and manage the resources in our waters. We have the left the EU and the common fisheries policy and, over the coming years, we will reform how we manage our fisheries. This includes the freedom to negotiate with the EU and other coastal states for a fairer share of fishing opportunities. We have previously committed to explore new methodologies for... More
    Closed 19 September 2022

  • Call for evidence – MMO assessment of fishing activity impacts in marine protected areas – Stage 2

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking additional evidence and views on our draft MPA fisheries assessment of the impacts of fishing using bottom towed gear on certain designated features of 13 marine protected areas (MPAs). MMO manages activities in the 230,000 square kilometres of seas around England. We are responsible for assessing the impacts of fishing on designated features of MPAs and, if required, developing byelaws or other management measures to further MPA... More
    Closed 10 July 2022

  • Consultation on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement (Ymgynghoriad ar y Cyd-ddatganiad drafft ar Bysgodfeydd)

    We are seeking your views on the draft Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). It has been developed by the four UK fisheries policy authorities (the Secretary of State, the Scottish Ministers, the Welsh Ministers, and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland), as required by the Fisheries Act 2020. The JFS sets out the future direction of UK fisheries management. In this consultation we are seeking your views on the policies in the JFS and the proposals... More
    Closed 12 April 2022

  • Call for Evidence on future management of Sandeels and Norway pout

    The UK Marine Strategy and the Fisheries Act 2020 highlight the importance of taking an ecosystem-based approach to the management of fisheries and the wider marine environment. Forage fish such as sandeels and Norway pout play a key role in the health of the wider marine ecosystem, acting as a food source for manay commerical fish stocks and vulnerable marine species including seabirds, cetaceans and seals. For example, there is evidence that increased fishing pressure on... More
    Closed 19 November 2021

  • Management of Under 15m Scallop Fleet

    We are now an independent coastal State. We are committed to developing a world-class fisheries management system. It will embrace sustainable fishing and support a diverse, profitable and sustainable fleet which serves the needs of coastal communities and the UK economy. One of our priorities in this ambitious agenda is to improve how we manage non-quota stocks such as shellfish, whelks, cuttlefish etc. We want these profitable but data-poor stocks to be healthy and... More
    Closed 30 August 2021

  • Latent capacity in the over 10m scallop and shellfish fleet

    We are now an independent coastal State. We are committed to developing a world-class fisheries management system. It will embrace sustainable fishing and support a diverse, profitable and sustainable fleet which serves the needs of coastal communities and the UK economy. One of our priorities in this ambitious agenda is to improve how we manage non-quota stocks such as shellfish, whelks, cuttlefish etc. We want these profitable but data-poor stocks to be healthy and... More
    Closed 30 August 2021

  • Formal Consultation - MMO management of fishing in marine protected areas

    The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is the government’s principal regulator for most activities in English waters. This includes the management of activities in marine protected areas (MPAs). We are seeking views on the draft assessments and management measures proposed for four offshore MPAs: Dogger Bank Special Area of Conservation; Inner Dowsing, Race Bank and North Ridge Special Area of Conservation; South Dorset Marine Conservation... More
    Closed 28 March 2021

  • Call for evidence - MMO assessment of fishing and non-licensable activity impacts in Marine Protected Areas

    This consultation has now closed. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is the government’s principal regulator for most activities in English waters. This includes the management of activities in marine protected areas (MPAs). We were seeking views on the draft assessments for four offshore and one inshore MPAs: The Canyons Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ); Dogger Bank Special Area of Conservation (SAC); Inner Dowsing, Race Bank and... More
    Closed 15 December 2020

  • Fisheries: Remote Electronic (REM) Monitoring Call for Evidence

    From January 2021, at the end of the transition period, the UK will, as an independent coastal State, control and manage the resources in our waters. With a new way paved for our country, our marine environment and our fishing industry, it is important to think about long-term ambitions. As part of our commitment to delivering a world class fisheries management system Defra committed to look at increasing the use of Remote Electronic Monitoring in the recent Fisheries Bill... More
    Closed 30 November 2020

  • Fisheries: Quota allocation and management in 2021 and beyond: England and the Crown Dependencies

    In January 2021, at the end of the transition period, the UK will be an independent coastal State with rights under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to control and manage the resources in our waters. We will have left the Common Fisheries Policy and will no longer be bound by the EU’s outdated method for sharing fishing opportunities. We are committed to moving away from relative stability to a fairer share of fishing opportunities for our fishing industry across the British... More
    Closed 10 November 2020

  • Fisheries: Apportioning additional quota between the UK administrations: UK and the Crown Dependencies

    In January 2021, at the end of the transition period, the UK will be an independent coastal State with rights and duties under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to control and manage the resources in our waters. We will have left the Common Fisheries Policy and will no longer be bound by the EU’s outdated and unfair method for sharing fishing opportunities. We are committed to moving away from relative stability to a fairer share of fishing opportunities for our fishing industry... More
    Closed 10 November 2020

  • Fisheries economic link licence condition in England

    The purpose of this consultation is to seek views on proposals to strengthen the economic link condition in order to increase benefits of UK fishing quotas across the UK and, in particular, to coastal communities. More
    Closed 10 November 2020

  • National Food Strategy - Call for Evidence

    On 27 June, Defra’s Secretary of State commissioned Henry Dimbleby to conduct an independent review to help the government create its first National Food Strategy for 75 years. The purpose of the review is to address the environmental and health problems caused by our food system, to ensure the security of our food supply, and to maximise the benefits of the coming revolution in agricultural technology. The National Food Strategy will examine activity... More
    Closed 25 October 2019

  • Fishing quota allocation: Developing a new approach for allocating additional fishing quota in England

    Following Brexit, we will negotiate with the EU and coastal states for a fairer share of fishing opportunities. In the fisheries white paper, Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations we set out plans to promote a more competitive, profitable and sustainable fishing industry across the whole of the UK and to set a gold standard for sustainable fishing around the world. We said we intended to begin a conversation about how to allocate the additional quota... More
    Closed 13 September 2019

  • Consultation: Western Waters demersal for scallop fishing effort swap in FAO area VII

    The Marine Management Organisation, on behalf of the UK’s Fisheries Administrations (Marine Scotland, Welsh Government, DAERA Northern Ireland) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), is seeking your views on a proposed trade in effort between the UK scallop industry and the Dutch demersal fleet. More
    Closed 17 August 2019
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