With the English fishing sector facing the proposed closure of fishing grounds to both static and mobile gears, the NFFO is preparing its response to the UK Government on these 42 MPAs in English waters.
Approximately 1303 fishing vessels are expected to be directly affected by the restrictions – according to the MMO’s own Stage 3 de minimis assessment. The eight ports predicted to experience the highest estimated revenue loss are spread around the country, but roughly 50% of the losses are concentrated in the south-west of England.
New byelaws would prohibit demersal trawling and, in some cases, static gears such as traps and nets across an additional 30,000 square kilometres of English waters. This would expand total demersal trawling restrictions to about 48,000 square kilometres.
Key to the NFFO’s response is determining what is caught within the affected MPAs, where these catches go post-landing, and how vessel owners and fishermen perceive the proposed changes and their expected effects. This input is essential for establishing the true impact of the policy changes on fishing communities, seafood markets, and related livelihoods.
The NFFO is encouraging affected vessel owners to complete a questionnaire based on fishing activity in MPAs between July 2023 and June 2025. The form should not take more than 20 minutes if you fish in one MPA, be completed as accurately and thoroughly as possible, including details such as species, catch weight, and fishing gear used.
The forms can be completed online –
Western Channel and South West
Or hard copy versions can be requested from the NFFO.
‘The quality and volume of responses will strengthen the evidence-based case to government. Individual responses will remain confidential within the NFFO’s consultancy team, with only anonymous, aggregated data published,’ an NFFO representative commented.
‘This is your chance to have your say! If you are affected by this policy proposal, then fill in a questionnaire and share with others who may also be affected.’
