Having considered the consultation responses, scientific and environmental evidence, socio-economic impacts and relevant legislation and policy, MMO will introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in: English waters of ICES area 7 from 16 December 2024 to 31 May 2025 (inclusive).
This closure length will protect berried and juvenile crawfish whilst balancing socio-economic considerations and allowing the shellfish industry time to adapt business processes.
Further information on a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available in the decision document.
Further information on a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available in the decision document.