Fishing for sandeel in English waters of the North Sea will be banned from April if UK government plans get the go-ahead.
A similar move to ban sandeel fishing in Scottish waters ahead of the 2024 season is also awaiting approval from Scotland’s parliament.
Sandeel are an important food source for many species, such as puffins and porpoises, and play an important part in maintaining the marine ecosystem. The UK stopped fishing for sandeel in 2021 and today commercial fishing for the species is carried out entirely by continental vessels.
“Prohibiting all vessels from fishing for sandeel in Scottish waters will help provide long term sustainability and benefits not just for sandeel but also for seabirds, marine mammals and other fish species,” said the Scottish cabinet secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon.
Public consultations run by the Scottish and UK governments have shown almost universal support for a ban with 97% and 95% of respondents respectively indicating they are in favour of some form of prohibition.
“This decision reflects overwhelming support for our proposals, the scientific evidence base and our longstanding position not to support fishing for sandeel as set out in Scotland’s Future Fisheries Management Strategy,” continued Gougeon.
The UK government is also proposing a targeted ban on bottom trawling in an additional 13 marine protected areas to help safeguard species such as pink sea fans, fragile sponges and anenomes.
“Protecting the environment is fundamental to the prosperity of our country and our new commitments will drive forward our mission to create a cleaner and greener country for all,” said UK government environment secretary, Steve Barclay.
