Guidance

Southern North Sea non-quota species Fisheries Management Plan

The Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species (NQS) Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) covers ICES divisions 4b and 4c and includes demersal species red, tub and grey gurnards, cuttlefish, squid, octopus, john dory, red mullet and lesser spotted dogfish.

Documents

Details

This FMP is one of 43 FMPs to be developed under the Joint Fisheries Statement to support a sustainable and profitable fishing industry. The Southern North Sea demersal NQS FMP is among the Tranche Three of the FMPs being developed, with an aim to publish the plan at the end of 2024. 

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 southern North Sea 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. 

If you are interested in the SNS NQS FMP and want to be included in our stakeholder communications please send your details in confidence and a summary of your particular interest to FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk.

Published 21 November 2023