The UK has internationally agreed responsibilities to manage our fisheries, so our fish stocks are harvested in a sustainable way.
The Fisheries Act 2020 provides the framework to manage our fisheries as an independent coastal state. The act enables the UK fisheries policy authorities (Defra, and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) to publish fisheries management plans (FMPs) to help deliver our ambition for sustainable fisheries.
This paper sets out how Defra will prepare and publish its FMPs for the waters around England.
Published 1 September 2022 Last updated 17 October 2024 +show all updates
The Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish fisheries management plan (FMP) has been published. Consultations on the next 5 FMPs have opened. A consultation on proposed amendments to Annex A of the Joint Fisheries Statement has opened. Updated the policy document to reflect these changes.
We've added links to 3 fisheries management plans which will be published by the end of 2025 - the black seabream plan, Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal plan and the wrasse complex plan.
Added details to the policy document about 4 further FMPs planned for publication in 2025.
Removed detailed information about individual fisheries management plans (FMPs) from the sections 'Recent FMPs' and 'FMPs in development'. Replaced this information with links to separate webpages covering each of the plans.
The first 5 FMPs have been published. Updated the policy document to reflect this and provided links to the final plans.
We have updated the policy document, providing details of the next 5 FMPs under development, and showing that consultations for the first 6 FMPs ended on 1 October 2023.
We've added links to the public consultations for the first 6 fisheries management plans.
Updated the email address for providing your views about the bass fisheries management plan or to register your interest in future engagement events.
Added a link to the full list of UK FMPs which is part of the Joint Fisheries Statement.
