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It includes demersal species blue ling, cod, deep water sharks, haddock, megrim, four spotted megrim, monkfish and anglerfish, nephrops, plaice, pollack, red seabream, round nose grenadier, saithe, skates and rays, blonde ray, cuckoo ray, sandy ray, shagreen ray, small-eyed ray, spotted ray, thornback ray, sole and whiting.

This FMP is one of 43 FMPs to be developed under the Joint Fisheries Statement to support a sustainable and profitable fishing industry. The Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal NQS FMP is among the Tranche Four of the FMPs being developed, with an aim to publish the plan at the end of 2025.

MMO will work with stakeholders from commercial and recreational fishing sectors, environmental organisations and other key marine bodies to understand their views, particularly on which species should be a priority, potential management changes and sustainability.

Development of a plan specifically for demersal species in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel was highlighted by the fishing industry and other key marine stakeholders as a necessary move because of concern about potential over-exploitation of some stocks.

If you are interested in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal FMP and want to be included in our stakeholder communications please send your details in confidence and a summary of your particular interest to FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk.