The UK government has launched a consultation to gather evidence on the impact of flyseining in English waters to reduce pressure on fish stocks.
Flyseining, also known as flyshooting or demersal seining, uses long weighted ropes to herd fish into the mouth of the trawl to target species which live or feed on or near the sea bed, such as red mullet, gurnard and squid. Many of these fish are non-quota stocks.
The practice is on the increase with larger vessels now operating in the English EEZ prompting concern from environmental organisations and some in the fishing industry.
“We want our fishing industry to thrive for generations to come and we must ensure our stocks are sustainably managed,” said Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis.
“That’s why we are consulting on potential measures to mitigate the impacts of flyseining on non-quota stocks. I encourage all those from the catching sector and wider fishing industry to share their views.”
Measures under consideration in the proposal include restricting the number of vessels with flyseining gear, the power of their engines and placing limits on the fishing gear.
The consultation will run for 12 weeks from 25 August until 17 November 2022 with any decisions made applying only to English waters.
