The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced significant measures to protect crawfish stocks in the southwest, particularly in ICES area 7. Starting January 1, 2024, the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) for crawfish (Palinurus spp) will increase from 95 mm to 110 mm.
Co-Designed Solutions with the Fishing Community
The decision follows a comprehensive co-design workshop that brought together fishers, government officials, and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach was vital in addressing the concerns raised by the industry about the sustainability of crawfish stocks.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Intervention
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in crawfish landings, an extended fishing season into winter, and the involvement of larger vessels with greater catching capacities. Richard Hoskin, Head of Sustainable Fisheries at MMO, emphasized the urgent need for intervention to prevent cycles of ‘boom and bust’ in the fishery.
Weighing Options: MCRS Increase and Seasonal Closure
The workshop discussed two main measures: increasing the MCRS and implementing a seasonal closure. There was unanimous support for the MCRS increase, recognized as beneficial for the stock’s health. The idea of a seasonal closure also gained some support, with considerations on its timing and impact.
Proposed Seasonal Closure Options
MMO is currently considering several options for a potential seasonal closure, designed to prohibit the retaining and landing of crawfish in the specified area for all UK and EU vessels. The proposed periods include:
– No closure. – A closure from December 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, offering maximum protection. – A closure from January 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024, allowing for the Christmas market. – A closure from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024, aligning with the French (Brittany) crawfish closure.
Ensuring Long-term Sustainability
The increase in MCRS and the potential seasonal closure are part of MMO’s efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of crawfish stocks. These measures aim to balance the industry’s economic interests with the crucial need to conserve marine life.
Consultation and Future Plans
MMO is working closely with government departments to finalize these measures and has opened a consultation on the seasonal closure. The outcomes of the workshop and the rationale behind the MCRS increase are available for public review.
The new regulations mark a significant step towards sustainable fishing practices in the region, reflecting a proactive approach to marine conservation and industry sustainability.
Co-Designed Solutions with the Fishing Community
The decision follows a comprehensive co-design workshop that brought together fishers, government officials, and other stakeholders. This collaborative approach was vital in addressing the concerns raised by the industry about the sustainability of crawfish stocks.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Intervention
Recent years have seen a sharp increase in crawfish landings, an extended fishing season into winter, and the involvement of larger vessels with greater catching capacities. Richard Hoskin, Head of Sustainable Fisheries at MMO, emphasized the urgent need for intervention to prevent cycles of ‘boom and bust’ in the fishery.
Weighing Options: MCRS Increase and Seasonal Closure
The workshop discussed two main measures: increasing the MCRS and implementing a seasonal closure. There was unanimous support for the MCRS increase, recognized as beneficial for the stock’s health. The idea of a seasonal closure also gained some support, with considerations on its timing and impact.
Proposed Seasonal Closure Options
MMO is currently considering several options for a potential seasonal closure, designed to prohibit the retaining and landing of crawfish in the specified area for all UK and EU vessels. The proposed periods include:
– No closure. – A closure from December 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024, offering maximum protection. – A closure from January 1, 2024, to May 31, 2024, allowing for the Christmas market. – A closure from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024, aligning with the French (Brittany) crawfish closure.
Ensuring Long-term Sustainability
The increase in MCRS and the potential seasonal closure are part of MMO’s efforts to ensure the long-term sustainability of crawfish stocks. These measures aim to balance the industry’s economic interests with the crucial need to conserve marine life.
Consultation and Future Plans
MMO is working closely with government departments to finalize these measures and has opened a consultation on the seasonal closure. The outcomes of the workshop and the rationale behind the MCRS increase are available for public review.
The new regulations mark a significant step towards sustainable fishing practices in the region, reflecting a proactive approach to marine conservation and industry sustainability.
More news from Stock
