Queen scallop fisheries to the west of Scotland and in the Irish Sea are closing to protect the species during its spawning season.

The decision was made by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), UK Fishing Administrations and the Isle of Man (IOM) Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture to close areas 6a and 7a from 1 April to 30 June this year.

ICES statistical areas

Source: ICES

Queen scallop fisheries in areas 6a and 7a are to close this year during spawning season

The closure will apply to all EU, Isle of Man and UK vessels.

Closure will be managed by the appropriate organisation as follows:

  • MMO for UK vessels fishing in ICES area 6a and 7a and EU vessels fishing in 6a and 7a apart from Isle of Man waters.
  • Marine Scotland for Scottish vessels in ICES area 6a and 7a.
  • The Welsh Government for Welsh vessels in ICES area 6a and 7a.
  • Northern Ireland department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs for Northern Irish vessels fishing in ICES area 6a and 7a.
  • Isle of Man Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for IOM vessels fishing in IOM and UK waters in ICES area 6a and 7a. A separate licence is required to fish for queen scallops for all nationalities fishing in IOM waters.

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