The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has launched a new consultation to decide on the next seasonal closure for the crawfish fishery. This affects a specific part of the sea known as ICES Area 7, which covers English waters in the South West.
The goal of this move is to protect the crawfish population so that fishing can remain sustainable in the long term.
Why is a closure being planned?
The government and the fishing industry have grown concerned about the health of the crawfish stock. By closing the fishery during certain months, the MMO aims to:
Protect Breeding: Give crawfish a chance to spawn and moult without being disturbed.
Reduce Waste: Prevent the catching of fish when they are in poor condition or "soft," which often leads to higher mortality rates.
Safety and Environment: Reduce the risk of fishing gear being lost or left in the water for too long during rough winter weather.
What are the options?
The current seasonal closure is already in place and is set to end on May 31, 2026. The new consultation asks for views on the 2026/2027 season. The MMO has put forward several options for the next start and end dates:
Option 1: Closure from November 22, 2026, to May 31, 2027.
Option 2: Closure from November 22, 2026, to June 10, 2027.
Option 3: Closure from November 22, 2026, to June 24, 2027.
There is also an option for people to suggest their own dates if they believe a different timeframe would work better for the environment or their business.
Looking Ahead
While these annual consultations have been helpful, the MMO noted that some in the industry are experiencing "consultation fatigue." Because of this, the government is looking into longer-term management plans. This would provide more certainty for fishing businesses and mean they wouldn't have to vote on new dates every year.
The consultation is currently open for responses. The MMO will review all feedback from fishers, scientists, and the public before making a final decision on the dates for next year.