Four new draft fisheries management plans designed
to improve the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks have
opened for consultation today (Tuesday 10 February),
securing the health of the UK fishing industry which depends on
them.
The draft plans have been developed in close collaboration
with the fishing industry and set
out evidence-based policies and actions designed to
protect fish stocks for future generations and
ensure the fishing communities that rely on them can
thrive.
The proposed plans cover seabream and wrasse as well as demersal
and pelagic species in the Celtic Sea and Western Channel, with
the latter plans developed jointly between the UK and Welsh
governments. Each plan is tailored to the species, type of
fishing and location – which is why working with the groups and
communities that understand and use these fisheries is so
important.
Once finalised, the plans will help ensure these stocks and
fisheries continue to produce worldclass seafood for generations
to come.
Fisheries Minister Dame said:
The UK has some of the best wild seafood in the world and
fisheries management plans are vital for securing its long-term
sustainability so that our fishing industry continues to
prosper.
The fishing industry and wider stakeholders have already been
involved in shaping these plans, but I urge all interested
parties to respond to our consultations to help chart the course
for the future.
The formal 12-week public consultations run until 5 May 2026 and
offer the fishing industry and other stakeholders a further
chance to shape the plans before they are finalised.
The plans will help deliver sustainable fish stocks, supporting
the UK fishing industry and delivering growth in coastal
communities. Proposed actions include developing recovery plans
for vulnerable stocks in the Celtic Sea and Western
Channel, building our evidence base to manage data-poor
stocks better and seeking to improve data
collection and monitoring.
Fisheries management plans are recognised internationally as the
gold standard in managing fisheries. The government is determined
to seize the opportunities ahead for the UK's fishing sector,
ensuring the industry can maximise its contribution to the
country's food security and economic growth.
