What's in a few millimeters? When it comes to the iconic native oyster (Ostrea edulis) of the Fal Fishery, it’s the difference between a struggling, endangered species and a hopeful future. For the first time in over a century, the minimum size for catching these incredible shellfish has been increased, marking a monumental win for conservation and the very heart of this historic fishery.
The change, signed into law on July 21st, 2025, by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), is a seemingly small tweak with an enormous impact. The minimum landing size (MLS) for wild native oysters has been increased by 5mm, from 67mm to 72mm.
From Chef's Plate to Conservation Crusade
This victory is the culmination of years of hard work, research, and a dedicated campaign led by one man, oysterman Chris Ranger, known to many as 'Ranger.' Since starting in the industry in 2008, Chris was bothered by the fact that he was gathering oysters that were too small for the market, only to have them sold elsewhere. His initial focus was on meeting market demand, but a pivotal moment in 2017 at the World Oyster Symposium in Wales changed everything.
There, he learned a sobering truth: native oyster populations globally have plummeted by a staggering 85-95%. This shifted his focus from the size chefs wanted to what the species desperately needed to survive. He began his own research, gathering data on growth and reproduction. This work led him to found the Fal Fishery Cooperative Community Interest Company (CIC) in 2019 to bridge the gap between the traditional sailing fleet and scientific authorities.
What Ranger's research showed was a powerful truth: with just 18-30 more months of growth, oysters not only get bigger, they become crucial to the fishery's future. An oyster that might weigh 40-50g at 2-3 years old could grow to 70-90g at 4-5 years old. Even more importantly, delaying the harvest until they reach this size could quadruple the recruitment of larvae and spat—the next generation of oysters—into the fishery.
A New Voice for the Fal
The path to this change wasn't easy. It required the formation of a new, more effective committee. After a period where the industry felt it had no voice, a new Fal Fishery Management Committee (FFMC) was formed, bringing together license holders and community members. This new committee was built on a key principle: a majority vote would be enough to enact change, a critical shift from the old rule that required a unanimous decision.
In a landmark meeting in July 2023, the FFMC agreed that the only way to reverse the declining stocks was to increase the MLS. They proposed the 5mm increase to 72mm, and with a majority vote, the motion passed. After a formal public consultation and a bit of a delay due to the General Election, the proposal was finally signed.
A Sustainable Future
For Chris Ranger, the timing is less important than the outcome. "I will take 101 years," he says, acknowledging the century-long gap since the last increase. He believes this new regulation, if properly enforced, will have a dramatic effect.
"Just 5mm represented 10-12% of the weight or revenue to oyster gatherers, but a massive 25-28% of the oysters landed or sold on," Chris notes. He is confident that within a few years, the fishery will see a better biomass, leading to a more sustainable and viable industry for future generations.
This isn't just a win for the Fal. It's a powerful story about how persistence, community action, and a focus on conservation can create a positive change for a critically endangered species and the ancient traditions that depend on it.
What are your thoughts on this new regulation? Do you think this kind of collaborative effort can save other struggling fisheries? Let us know in the comments below!
