UK Gov
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 22 November 2026 to 31 May 2027 (inclusive) and will apply to all UK and EU vessels and all types of gear.
This was one of the options offered for consultation with stakeholders, and MMO reached its decision after considering their feedback and the socio-economic impacts on fishing communities.
The closure period will apply for 2026 to 2027 only, and more engagement with stakeholders will be undertaken as longer term management measures are considered.
Notes
- The closure applies to UK and EU vessels using all gear types in English waters of ICES area 7.
- The rationale for a seasonal closure is to: - offer increased protection to crawfish during their spawning season - support future growth in the population, and - limit the risk of mortality due to fish being caught in poor condition and nets being lost in poor weather.
- The fourth seasonal closure continues MMO's response to concerns raised by industry and wider stakeholders about the crawfish fishery. This closure will provide protection for the stock whilst balancing the economic and social needs of the fishing industry. MMO will work with stakeholders on longer term management for the fishery.
- Landings data and feedback from the commercial fishing fleet have showed an increase in landings and effort in recent years, along with fluctuating changes in the length of the fishing season, fleet size and the gear type used in the fishery.
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