The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced its decision on the next seasonal closure for crawfish in English waters of ICES area 7.
The closure will run from 17 November 2025 to 31 May 2026 and will apply to all UK and EU vessels and all types of gear.
While this was not one of the options offered in a consultation this summer the planned closure best reflects strong stakeholder feedback for a longer closure and follows advice, received in 2024, to more closely align to tides to extend fishing opportunities.
In coming to this decision MMO has considered the consultation responses and socio-economics.
The longer closure for 2025/2026 will provide increased stock protection and allow MMO to monitor socio-economic impacts of a longer closure to help inform future management decisions.
This closure duration will apply to 2025 to 2026 only. Further engagement with stakeholders will be undertaken before any further measures are introduced in future.
Notes
- The consultation for a potential seasonal closure of the crawfish (Palinurus spp) fishery ran from 5 June 2025 to 20 July 2025 and is part of the work undertaken to protect the crawfish fishery.
- The consultation offered stakeholders two options to consider based on feedback received to the previous consultation. MMO provided those responding to the survey with an opportunity to provide their own suggestion of closure dates. MMO also asked for suggestions for technical measures (other than effort management) that could be explored for future management.
- This third seasonal closure continues MMO's response to concerns raised by industry and wider stakeholders about the crawfish fishery. The longer closure will provide increased protection for the stock whilst balancing the economic and social needs of the fishing industry.
- Long term management decisions will be made through the Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan and made using best available scientific evidence and with input from the shellfish industry.
