An action plan to support the cuttlefish fishery in English
waters has been launched by Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
following engagement with stakeholders.
Cuttlefish is critical to the businesses of fishers working in
ICES areas 7d and 7e, and there are concerns that stock levels
are at risk of being over exploited.
Work on the Channel Demersal Non-Quota Species Fisheries
Management Plan (FMP) identified a need to better understand
fishing impact on numbers and the health of stocks.
Further engagement with stakeholders, including commercial
fishing representatives, last year demonstrated that formal
management measures would not be required right now and would
risk causing economic harm to fishers on the south coast.
After listening to stakeholder feedback, MMO fisheries managers
developed the cuttlefish action plan to better monitor and
collect data to help with future decisions on potential
management, including testing technical measures to conserve
stocks.
The plan is an important part of the implementation of the
Channel Demersal Non-quota species FMP published in December
2023.
MMO has now:
- Introduced a voluntary code of practice on trap and pot
handling in English waters from the 6nm limit out to 200nm in
ICES divisions 7d and 7e. This is designed to improve survival
rates for cuttlefish eggs and development of juveniles
- Launched three cuttlefish species identification cards to
help fishers to correctly identify and report catches and
landings of specific species of cuttlefish. Better
species-specific data will support improved understanding of
stocks levels and their health so future decisions can be made
based on evidence.
- Undertaken monitoring and market sampling to better
understand cuttlefish catch composition.
The full action plan can be read here or
email sustainablefisheries@marinemanagement.org.uk
