Marine Management Organisation
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
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:??
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An increase in the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) from 95 mm to 110 mm in English waters of ICES area 7,
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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 has also opened a consultation on a potential seasonal closure of the crawfish fishery. The potential closure would seek 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.
MMO is proposing the following potential closure periods for consideration:
- No closure
- Mid December 2023 to 31 May 2024: This would provide the greatest protection to crawfish.
1 January 2024 to 31 May 2024: This would allow fishing for the Christmas market.
- 1 January 2024 to 31 March 2024: This would align with the French (Brittany) crawfish closure.
The consultation is open from 13 November to 27 November 2023.
To respond to this consultation and access further information, please see?MMO website or contact us at effort@marinemanagement.org.uk.
Any changes to the fishery will be enacted by a licence variation.
Lyme Bay Sole Fishery
Outcome of Lyme Bay sole fishery consultation and new management measures
Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has unveiled a series of measures connected to the sole fishery in Lyme Bay following a consultation with stakeholders earlier this year.
The consultation ran from 29 March to 28 May 2023 and was followed by an in-person workshop with stakeholders to discuss potential new management measures for the fishery. Further information on the consultation can be found here, with a summary of the consultation responses found below. Further information on the workshop can be found here.
Following analysis of the consultation responses, workshop and evidence investigations, MMO has published a decision document outlining the results, proposed management measures and next steps. MMO has also produced