Channel Demersal Non-Quota Species Fishery Management Plan
The Channel demersal NQS FMP will include ICES divisions 7d and 7e and will cover demersal species such as red, tub and grey gurnards, cuttlefish, squid, octopus, john dory, red mullet and lesser spotted dogfish.
This FMP is one of 43 FMPs to be developed under the Joint Fisheries Statement to support a sustainable and profitable fishing industry. The Channel demersal NQS FMP will be among the first of six frontrunner FMPs being developed, with an aim to publish the plans at the end of 2023.
MMO is currently working with stakeholders in commercial and recreational fishing, environmental organisations and other key marine bodies to understand their views, particularly on which species should be a priority, potential management changes and sustainability.
Development of a plan specifically for demersal non-quota species in the Channel was highlighted by the fishing industry and other key marine stakeholders as a necessary move because of concern about potential over-exploitation of some stocks and a lack of data about non-quota stocks in general.
More information can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/channel-demersal-non-quota-species-fisheries-management-plan#information-on-other-fisheries-management-plans
Your Voice Matters
Engagement Opportunities
The Marine Management Organisation is currently working with stakeholders in commercial and recreational fishing, environmental organisations and other key marine bodies to understand their views, particularly on which species should be a priority, potential management changes and sustainability. Development of a plan specifically for demersal non-quota species in the Channel was highlighted as a necessary move because of concern about potential over-exploitation of some stocks and a lack of data about non-quota stocks in general.
Further details for planned engagement and how to participate can be found here, including venue information. Representatives from all stakeholders are welcome to attend all sessions. The MMO are also delivering engagement sessions in the evenings intended to help recreational anglers who may be working during the day. These include:
- Mon 20 Feb – 7pm-9pm – Poole – Broadstone Conservative Club
- Wed 22 Feb – 7pm-9pm – Arundel – Comfort Inn
- Thu 23 Feb – 7pm-9pm – Hove – Deep Sea Angling Club
- Tue 7 March – 7pm-9pm – Falmouth – Chainlocker Pub
- Thurs 9 March – 7pm-9pm – Looe – Venue TBC
In addition to the above sessions, the MMO are also hosting quayside sessions:
- Tues 21 Feb – Rye, Hastings, Gosport, Poole
- Wed 22 Feb – Portsmouth, Hastings, Selsey, Arundel
- Thurs 23 Feb – Shoreham, Eastbourne, Brighton, Newhaven, Hove
- Tues 7 March – Weymouth, Lyme Regis, Falmouth
- Wed 8 March – Newlyn, Lyme Regis, Axmouth
- Thurs 9 March – Fowey, Exmouth, Looe, Plymouth
- Fri 10 March – Mevagissey, Brixham
For those unable to attend in-person, online sessions are currently planned for:
- Monday 20th Feb
- Wednesday 22nd Feb
- Tuesday 7th March
- Thursday 9th March
The Angling Trust will also be hosting a Virtual Sea Angling Forum with the Marine Management Organisation on Thursday 16th March at 7pm for engagement with the recreational sea angling community to voice their views and raise questions with the MMO directly. More information will be shared on this shortly.
