UK: Sandeel fishing to be banned in Scottish waters

Sand Eel

Seafood

United Kingdom

Regulation & Compliances

Published Feb 1, 2024

Tridge summary

The Scottish Government is set to ban sandeel fishing in its waters by the 2024 fishery season, subject to Parliamentary approval. This decision, backed by public support and scientific evidence, is part of Scotland’s Future Fisheries Management Strategy, recognizing the importance of sandeel for the marine ecosystem. The UK Government is also planning to close a section of the North Sea in English waters to sandeel fishing.

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Original content

Sandeel fishing to be banned in Scottish waters. Fishing for sandeel is to be banned in Scottish waters ahead of the 2024 fishery season, subject to Parliamentary approval. Sandeel support the long term sustainability and resilience of the marine ecosystem and are an important food source for many species, including marine mammals, seabirds and predatory fish. Commercial fishing for sandeel is currently carried out entirely by European vessels. In recognition of the importance of the species to marine biodiversity, no fishing quota has been allocated to UK vessels since 2021. Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said: “Sandeel are a vital part of our marine ecosystem and a critical component of the food chain in the North Atlantic. It is critical that we manage our marine environment in a such a way as to ensure its sustainable use, protecting biodiversity and ensuring healthy functioning ecosystems. Prohibiting all vessels from fishing for ...

Source: Fish Focus