Advisory councils respond to UK skates and rays management plan, emphasising collaboration, sustainability, and socio-economic balance
The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) and the North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) have submitted a joint response to the UK government’s draft Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) for skates and rays in the southern North Sea and English Channel.
The response, approved on 7 January 2025, highlights key recommendations and concerns from stakeholders across the EU and UK.
Collaboration and Shared Stock Management
The NWWAC emphasised the need for close cooperation between the UK and EU, noting that skates and rays are shared stocks governed by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). Stakeholders called for improved transparency in stock assessments and urged the inclusion of EU vessel data in the plan.
Recommendations for Conservation Measures
While supporting a Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) to protect juvenile stocks, the councils opposed the introduction of a Maximum Conservation Reference Size (MaxCRS) without robust scientific evidence. They also raised concerns over proposed seasonal and spatial closures, advocating for alternative measures like improved data collection and habitat studies.
Socio-Economic Considerations
The councils stressed the importance of balancing ecological goals with economic impacts on fishers, urging that stakeholders be directly involved in developing practical, sustainable measures.
The final management plan is expected to address these concerns to ensure equitable and effective conservation practices.