UK: European fish oil producers push Scotland to rethink ban on sand eel fishing

European Fishmeal and Fish Oil Producers (EFFOP) has warned the Scottish government to carefully consider the consequences of its proposal to cease all sandeel fishing in the country’s waters.Recognizing that European sandeel fishing has historically been an important resource within the fishmeal market, the EFFOP claims an abrupt closure of the fishery in Scotland might disrupt supply chains, impact jobs, and negatively affect local economies.The U.K. has banned sandeel fishing in English waters for three years in a row, and in July this year, the Scottish government launched a consultation regarding its proposal to close fishing for sandeels in all Scottish waters. The ban is intended to ensure the sustainability of the stock, providing wider ecosystem benefits to commercial fish species, seabirds, and sea mammals. This consultation period ended on 13 October.Environmental groups have backed the ban, with the National Trust for Scotland among organizations that feel the move ...