The decision on proposed harmonisation of brown crab minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) in English waters of the South West, has been published.
The proposal came from work delivered by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on proposal three (the trial of finer scale management) of the Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan (FMP).
Given the support received during stakeholder meetings and in survey responses to the anticipated long-term benefits to crab stocks, the government has proposed the harmonisation of MCRS will be made a permanent measure in the South West.
Tim Dixon, Head of Fisheries Management, MMO, said:
We are pleased to see there was such overwhelming support from industry for harmonising minimum crab reference size and making it permanent. This will help to safeguard and maintain the species in the South West supporting MMO's goal of creating sustainable fisheries for the long term.
The harmonisation measures mean brown crab MCRS in English waters of the South West will be 160mm for a male crab and 150mm for the female.
It will be introduced via a vessel licence condition from 1 February 2026 and apply to all UK and EU vessels using all gears.
The engagement survey, which ran in July and August, offered stakeholders the opportunity to share views on the proposal. 78 responses were received, 82% of respondents supported the measure. The survey also sought opinions on the online survey method that offered stakeholder the opportunity to respond using a mobile phone compared to traditional methods that require emailed responses. 77% of respondents preferred this style of consultation.
