Some good news from the House of Commons this week when the latest announcement was made on the Fisheries Management Plans for the UK.
Subject to Parliamentary scrutiny, the following measures will come into force on 16 December 2024 which means:The introduction of new minimum landing sizes for:
- lemon sole (250mm)
- turbot (300mm)
- brill (300mm)
in the English waters of the Channel Sea ICES areas 7d and 7e) (Channel demersal non-quota species FMP, and Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish FMP), and an increased MCRS for crawfish to 110mm (Crab and lobster FMP) in all English waters to protect the juveniles of all these stocks from being landed before they have matured.
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| There was much concern these huge fly-shooters were having on non-quota stocks like red mullet |
The introduction of a restriction on the engine power of vessels (not greater than 221 Kw) using flyseining gear (fishing with an encircling and towed net, operated from a boat by means of two long ropes (seine ropes) designed to herd the fish towards the opening of the net) in the English territorial waters of the Channel Sea. This is to help manage fishing effort on demersal non-quota species in inshore fishing grounds (Channel demersal non-quota species FMP).
All vessels using flyseining gear will also have to use a larger mesh (100mm minimum) as standard in the English waters of the Channel so that smaller, juvenile fish can escape (Channel demersal non-quota species FMP).
Key question - does 'territorial waters' mean out to 12 miles? (Ed)
Finally, this new legislation will allow commercial catch limits for bass to be updated promptly in fishing licences following international negotiations, so they are in line with evolving evidence. This is instead of having to change legislation, which takes time. (Bass FMP). Any changes to fishing gear and/or fishing practices to comply with these new measures will need to be made for the 16 December 2024.
Keep checking the blog for further updates on FMP implementation.
All vessels using flyseining gear will also have to use a larger mesh (100mm minimum) as standard in the English waters of the Channel so that smaller, juvenile fish can escape (Channel demersal non-quota species FMP).
Key question - does 'territorial waters' mean out to 12 miles? (Ed)
Finally, this new legislation will allow commercial catch limits for bass to be updated promptly in fishing licences following international negotiations, so they are in line with evolving evidence. This is instead of having to change legislation, which takes time. (Bass FMP). Any changes to fishing gear and/or fishing practices to comply with these new measures will need to be made for the 16 December 2024.
Keep checking the blog for further updates on FMP implementation.
