Scallop fishing in UK waters of the North Sea around Dogger Bank will now be suspended until 4 April 2021.
The decision by the four UK Fisheries Administrations (UKFAs) has been taken with the agreement of the scallop industry working group to enable a timely review of recent Cefas advice on scallop larvae dispersal around Dogger Bank.
This is an extension to a closure to scallop fishing that was due to end on 28 February 2021, and covers UK waters in ICES rectangles 37F1, 37F2, 37F3, 38F1, 38F2, 38F3, 39F1 and 39F2 in the Dogger Bank.
It will be made by a fishing vessel licence variation and will allow time for the UKFAs to discuss with industry if, and how, sustainable scallop fishing may be permitted in the Dogger Bank area in the future.
The UKFAs are committed to continuing their engagement with industry on the management of fishing in the area.