The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced significant changes to the landing obligation exemptions in English waters, effective from 28 February 2025. These changes aim to enhance stock sustainability by revoking key exemptions for pelagic and demersal fisheries. The new regulations follow a scientific review and public consultation, ensuring that fishing practices align with environmental conservation goals.
Regulatory Background
The landing obligation, also known as the discard ban, requires fishermen to land all catches within regulated size limits, prohibiting the discarding of fish at sea. This policy is part of broader efforts to improve the sustainability of fish stocks in UK waters. The MMO regularly reviews exemptions to ensure they are supported by scientific evidence and contribute to stock sustainability goals.
The changes in 2025 reflect this ongoing commitment to balancing economic viability with environmental conservation. Fishermen operating in EU waters must adhere to European Commission regulations on discarding, which differ from those in UK waters.
The regulatory framework is updated through secondary legislation, subject to Parliamentary approval, ensuring that any new exemptions or changes are legally binding and publicly scrutinized.
Exemption Changes
Four key exemptions will be either fully or partially revoked. These include the high survivability exemption for turbot caught using beam trawls with a cod-end larger than 80 mm in English waters, which will remain in place in Scottish waters.
Additionally, de minimis exemptions for pelagic species like mackerel and herring caught by mid-water trawlers in specific ICES divisions will be discontinued due to insufficient evidence.
The cod element of a de minimis exemption for mixed demersal fisheries in ICES division 4c will also be revoked, affecting vessels using bottom trawls or seines with mesh sizes of 70-99 mm. This decision is driven by concerns over the Northern shelf cod stock.
The whiting element of this exemption will remain unchanged, reflecting the nuanced approach to managing different species within the same fisheries.
| Exemption Type | Species Affected | ICES Division |
|---|---|---|
| High Survivability | Turbot | ICES Subarea 4 |
| De Minimis | Mackerel, Herring, Whiting | ICES Divisions 4b, 4c, 7d |
| De Minimis (Cod Element) | Cod | ICES Division 4c |
Industry Impact
These changes will significantly impact fishing operations in English waters. Fishermen must adapt their practices to comply with the new regulations, which may involve revising gear types and fishing methods to minimize bycatch.
While some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the practicality of stricter measures, the government emphasizes the necessity of these changes to protect vulnerable fish stocks.
The removal of exemptions reflects a consistent approach across UK waters, aligning with broader conservation goals. However, challenges remain in implementing these measures without sufficient alternatives to minimize bycatch.
Further guidance for specific sectors is available through the MMO, which provides detailed information on technical requirements and reporting obligations.
Expert Insights and Strategic Challenges
While there are no direct expert quotes available, the strategic challenges facing the fishing industry include adapting to new regulations without compromising economic viability. This requires innovative solutions to reduce bycatch while maintaining sustainable fishing practices.
The industry must also navigate the complexities of operating in both UK and EU waters, where different regulations apply.
Related Policies and Initiatives
- Technical Conservation Measures: These measures focus on improving gear selectivity and reducing bycatch, complementing the landing obligation.
- Discard Reform: Ongoing efforts to reform discard policies aim to enhance stock sustainability and align with international best practices.
- Marine Protected Areas: Expanding marine protected areas can further support conservation efforts by providing habitats for vulnerable species.
Future Implications
The long-term implications of these changes include a potential shift towards more sustainable fishing practices. However, this may require significant investment in new technologies and training for fishermen.
The government’s commitment to balancing economic and environmental goals will be crucial in supporting the industry through this transition.
As the UK continues to develop its fisheries management post-Brexit, these regulatory changes reflect a broader strategy to ensure the health of marine ecosystems while supporting local economies.
The success of these measures will depend on ongoing monitoring and adaptation to ensure that they effectively contribute to stock sustainability without unduly burdening the fishing industry.
What This Means for You
For readers interested in sustainable fishing practices, these changes highlight the importance of aligning fishing operations with environmental conservation goals. The impact on local communities will depend on how effectively the industry adapts to new regulations.
As consumers, supporting sustainable seafood can encourage further innovation in fishing practices.
Further Reading
- Technical Conservation and Landing Obligation Rules and Regulations 2025
- Technical Conservation and Landing Obligation Rules and Regulations 2022
Did You Know?
The landing obligation is part of the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, which the UK has adapted post-Brexit to manage its fisheries independently. This policy aims to reduce discarding and promote sustainable fishing practices across European waters.
The Takeaway
In summary, the changes to landing obligation exemptions in English waters reflect a commitment to enhancing stock sustainability and aligning fishing practices with environmental conservation goals.
While these changes present challenges for the fishing industry, they also offer opportunities for innovation and growth in sustainable seafood production.
As the UK continues to develop its fisheries management framework, these regulatory updates will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.
For those interested in learning more about sustainable fishing practices and regulatory changes, further resources are available through government publications and industry reports.
