Marine Management Organisation
Current projects:
- Small eyed ray project aiming to remove the non retention policy in 7e.
- New fisheries management measures are being implemented in Lyme Bay
- New fisheries management measures being considered and implemented for southwest crawfish fishery
Catch Limit Decisions
Southwest crawfish fishery
The fishing industry shared concerns regarding the recent increase in crawfish (Palinurus spp) landings coupled with an observed increase in the size of the fishery.
MMO held a co-design workshop on 3 October 2023 with fishers to discuss the current issues with the southwest crawfish fishery, and proposed options for management in the short-term. Further information on the workshop including meeting notes and outputs is available below.
MMO proposed two initial solutions in the workshop. These were:??
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An increase in the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) from 95 mm to 110 mm in English waters of ICES area 7,
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A seasonal closure of the fishery during the off-peak fishing period in English waters of ICES area 7.?
There was unanimous agreement in the workshop to implement a MCRS increase from 95 mm to 110 mm in English waters of ICES area 7. Following this, MMO has announced a licence condition regarding this change will come into force from 1 January 2024. Further information on the rationale behind the MCRS increase is available below.
MMO also held a consultation on a potential seasonal closure of the crawfish fishery. The closure seeks to prohibit the retaining and landing of crawfish in English waters of ICES area 7 for all UK and EU vessels using all gear types.?The consultation ran from 13 November to 27 November 2023.??
Having considered the consultation responses, scientific evidence and socio-economic impacts, UKFAs have agreed to introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in:
- English waters of ICES area 7 from 5 February to 30 April 2024.
This closure length will protect berried and juvenile crawfish whilst balancing socio-economic considerations, fulfilling EU notification obligations and allowing the shellfish industry time to adapt business processes.
The closure will be enacted via a licence variation.
Further information on a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available?here.
Consultation responses and feedback from the co-design workshop indicated that further measures may be required to ensure long-term sustainable fishing of the crawfish fishery. As such MMO is considering whether additional management measures, including potential effort management, are required. A workshop to discuss potential options is due to be held in mid-February 2024 and will run alongside a consultation exercise. MMO will share further details in due course. If you wish to be involved please contact effort@marinemanagement.org.uk.
