The UK government has been developing a new framework for managing fish and shellfish stocks, known as Fisheries Management Plans (or FMPs).
There are 43 FMPs in development, each focusing on one or more species, with 6 frontrunners published in December 2023 and a further 5 are in development to be published by the end of 2024.
The intention of these FMPs is to take an evidence-based approach to making management decisions that ensure stocks are fished at sustainable levels.
DEFRA have also launched a blog on FMPs with the aim to share information and make engaging in FMPs more accessible
The FMPs are intended to be shaped jointly by the experiences and expertise of both fisheries managers and fishermen. So we encourage as many members of the industry as possible to make their views heard in these consultations.
David Stevens, Skipper of the Crystal Sea offers some tips and advice on responding to the FMP consultations.
“Responding to some of these consultations is a big undertaking and could take a few hours of time. If you do the online survey you need to set a bit of time aside for this and remember you can skip questions and just fill in the bits that are relevant and important to you.”
“Each FMP has an executive summary with the main bullet points. Look for major changes, and if you can, discuss them with other fishermen and try and organise a streamlined response with your local fleet.”
“There is a long, and fairly complex online survey – but that is not your only option. Respond directly on the phone or via e-mail to the FMP Policy Team (03459 335577) (FMPconsultations@defra.gov.uk)
“If you can – go to your local representative and discuss and get them to respond on your behalf, put your thoughts and feelings to the people who represent you – provide any evidence you have to back them up. “
Fishing into the Future can support you actively engaging in the development of fisheries management frameworks through its Fisheries Resource Education Programme (F-REP) – a series of regional residential events designed for and by fishermen in which fisheries managers, researchers and members of the industry come together to share their expertise and build the skills to work together effectively.
It’s the perfect experience for getting involved further in the development of FMPs.
The Future of Our Inshore Fisheries (FOIF), a joint project delivered by Seafish, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) released a newsletter in August 2023 providing an overview of how these FMPs are being developed, what they do and how to have your say on the development of them.