Spurdog Stocks Bounce Back: UK Fishermen Given Green Light
Good news for UK fishermen this weekend (1 April) as Northeast Atlantic spurdog stocks recover enough to allow legal fishing once again in UK waters. After years of protection, fresh scientific data shows the spiny dogfish population can support landings throughout 2023 and 2024.
Spurdog: The Comeback Shark
Spurdog, also known as picked or spiny dogfish, are small sharks native to UK seas. They have been off-limits for commercial fishing for around five years as part of strict conservation efforts. Now, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has delivered an update. Their latest assessment confirms the stock has bounced back and can sustain controlled catches.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer Speaks Out
“Through the management of spurdog as a prohibited species, we have enabled stocks to recover to the point where our fishing industry can once again fish this species commercially on a sustainable basis,” said Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer.
“We will continue to use the latest scientific advice and monitor stocks to ensure appropriate management measures are in place to protect the species, cementing our commitment to establish a sustainable and profitable UK fishing industry for generations to come.”
Catch Quotas and New Rules Explained
- A total allowable catch (TAC) has been set after UK-EU fisheries talks, giving the UK a quota of 2,781 tonnes in the North Sea and 4,825 tonnes in Western waters for 2023.
- The North Sea quota will be divided among England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland using existing fixed quota allocation systems.
- The Western waters quota will remain unallocated, controlled via monthly tonnage limits on UK vessel licences. These limits will be closely monitored and adjusted as new data emerges.
- To stay cautious, the UK government will hold back 25% of the North Sea quota for now, deciding later this year how to allocate it.
- Spurdog over 100cm in length will be banned from landing to protect larger breeding females.
- Ongoing monitoring and possible new measures will ensure stocks stay healthy.
For full details and updated guidelines, visit the official GOV.UK spurdog guidance page.
