Here's the latest on what we’ve been up to with the Defra led Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs).
Each FMP is moving along at different stages. The key thing to note is that these plans are not a one-size-fits-all deal - it's all about taking a targeted approach, working together to develop and implement the right plans for our fisheries.
Defra are leading the preparation of 15 FMPs.
If you see* next to an FMP name below this means there are multiple stocks or species. You can find the details of these on our policy page- https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-management-plans/fisheries-management-plans
We consulted on the first six FMPs between July and October 2023, covering:
- Bass (jointly with the Welsh Government)
- Channel non-quota demersal species*
- Crab and lobster (and crawfish)
- King scallop (jointly with the Welsh Government)
- Whelk
- Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish*
On 14 December 2023, we published the first five plans (the sixth will be published in 2024) The published plans can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-management-plans/fisheries-management-plans#recent-fmps
Work has started, in a collaborative and transparent way, to tackle evidence gaps and implementation of the actions in the FMPs. There will be opportunities to get involved so come back to the blog for updates as this work progresses.
We are developing a further five FMPs to be published by the end of 2024 covering:
- Cockle (jointly with the Scottish Government)
- North Sea and Channel sprat (jointly with the Scottish Government)
- Queen scallop
- Southern North Sea and Channel skates and rays*
- Southern North Sea non-quota demersal*
We will announce on the blog when the consultations are open and how you can have your say.
A further four plans are in development, and these will be published by the end of 2025. They cover:
- Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal species
- Celtic Sea and Western Channel pelagic species
- Black seabream
- Wrasses complex
To get involved in the development of these draft FMPs contact the delivery partner. Contact details can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-management-plans/fisheries-management-plans#fmps-in-development-for-publication-in-2025
This infographic gives an overview of the timeline for the development, publication and implementation of Defra's FMPs.
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