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Guidance: Regional Fisheries Groups - South West 7efg

Marine Management Organisation

February 12
16:11 2024

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Current projects:

  • Small eyed ray project aiming to remove the non retention policy in 7e.
  • New fisheries management measures are being implemented in Lyme Bay
  • New fisheries management measures being considered and implemented for southwest crawfish fishery

Catch Limit Decisions

Decision record RJU_7DE Jan 2024

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Southwest crawfish fishery

The fishing industry shared concerns regarding the recent increase in crawfish (Palinurus spp) landings coupled with an observed increase in the size of the fishery.

MMO held a co-design workshop on 3 October 2023 with fishers to discuss the current issues with the southwest crawfish fishery, and proposed options for management in the short-term. Further information on the workshop including meeting notes and outputs is available below.

MMO proposed two initial solutions in the workshop. These were:??

  • An increase in the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) from 95 mm to 110 mm in English waters of ICES area 7,

  • A seasonal closure of the fishery during the off-peak fishing period in English waters of ICES area 7.?

There was unanimous agreement in the workshop to implement a MCRS increase from 95 mm to 110 mm in English waters of ICES area 7. Following this, MMO has announced a licence condition regarding this change will come into force from 1 January 2024. Further information on the rationale behind the MCRS increase is available below.

MMO also held a consultation on a potential seasonal closure of the crawfish fishery. The closure seeks to prohibit the retaining and landing of crawfish in English waters of ICES area 7 for all UK and EU vessels using all gear types.?The consultation ran from 13 November to 27 November 2023.??

Having considered the consultation responses, scientific evidence and socio-economic impacts, UKFAs have agreed to introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in:

  • English waters of ICES area 7 from 5 February to 30 April 2024.

This closure length will protect berried and juvenile crawfish whilst balancing socio-economic considerations, fulfilling EU notification obligations and allowing the shellfish industry time to adapt business processes.

The closure will be enacted via a licence variation.

Further information on a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available?here.

Consultation responses and feedback from the co-design workshop indicated that further measures may be required to ensure long-term sustainable fishing of the crawfish fishery. As such MMO is considering whether additional management measures, including potential effort management, are required. A workshop to discuss potential options is due to be held in mid-February 2024 and will run alongside a consultation exercise. MMO will share further details in due course. If you wish to be involved please contact effort@marinemanagement.org.uk.

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