Consultation on the proposed Whelk Fisheries Management Plan

Overview

The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposed Whelk Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), its policies and proposed measures. We are also seeking your views on the likely environmental impacts of the whelk FMP set out in the environmental report. 

Whelks were prioritised for an FMP 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.  

The Whelk FMP sets out a pathway to the long-term sustainable management of the whelk fisheries in English waters. Feedback from engagement with industry has shown that there is a need for better management of the whelk fishery. The FMP collates the evidence to assess the status on whelk stocks and the whelk fishery around England, identifies existing management measures and sets out short- and long-term actions to manage the whelk fishery. 

Why your views matter

This consultation is an opportunity for you to help shape and influence the future of Whelk management policy in England and builds upon previous engagement with industry.  

The consultation survey has four parts: 

1. Personal details and confidentiality (required) 

2. Questions on the proposed Whelk FMP 

3. Questions on the Whelk FMP environmental report 

4. Consultee feedback on the Online Survey (required) 

You only need to respond to the questions that you wish to. However, all respondents must complete the required 'Consultee Feedback on the Online Survey' and ‘personal details and confidentiality’ sections before you are able submit your response to the online survey.  

You can find the FMP and associated documents in the ‘related documents’ section at the bottom of this page. Please pay particular attention to the consultation document which summarises the FMP, includes the consultation questions and provides context. 

What happens next

Defra will take time to review and analyse the responses to this consultation. These will then be published alongside the final FMP.