NSAC opposes reintroduction of crab claw landing restrictions in the SkaKat (Skagerrak and Kattegat), citing lack of scientific basis and risk of unnecessary waste
North Sea Advisory Council Challenges Proposed Rule Change
The North Sea Advisory Council (NSAC) has formally opposed a proposed reintroduction of restrictions on the landing of detached crab claws in the Skagerrak and Kattegat. The restriction, initially part of older regulations, was unintentionally omitted in the revised EU Technical Measures Regulation (2019/1241), leading to a push for its reinstatement.
The Belgian Presidency of the Scheveningen Group reached out to NSAC in January 2025, seeking input on the Joint Recommendation (JR) regarding technical measures for the conservation of North Sea fishery resources. NSAC, however, has stated that the restriction does not contribute to the conservation of brown crab stocks and would instead lead to unnecessary waste.
Industry Impact and Scientific Concerns
NSAC argues that the proposed restriction has no proven scientific basis for improving crab conservation. Brown crabs caught as bycatch in large mesh gillnets are typically removed by crushing the body, with claws retained and landed as a valuable resource. A restriction on landing detached claws would not change fishing practices but would result in the discarding of a useful product.
“A restriction on landing detached claws will not make the process of cleaning the nets easier, and net cleaning will continue through the crushing of the crab bodies,” NSAC stated. “As such, this restriction would only lead to unnecessary waste.”
Additionally, NSAC highlighted concerns about the inconsistent application of the Technical Measures Regulation across different jurisdictions. The council warned that such regulatory fragmentation contradicts the regionalisation principles outlined in the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Historical Context and Previous Recommendations
The restriction on landing detached crab claws was originally included in EU Regulation 850/1998, applying to the North Sea, North Western Waters, and South Western Waters. However, it was accidentally omitted during the drafting of Regulation 2019/1241, which replaced previous technical measures. The current Joint Recommendation seeks to correct this omission.
In September 2023, NSAC, the North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC), and the Market Advisory Council (MAC) issued joint advice on brown crab fisheries, recommending a prohibition on landing clawed crabs, except where specifically allowed under EU Regulation 2019/1241. This past advice reflects concerns over potential misreporting and enforcement challenges in crab fisheries.
EU Decision-Making and Next Steps
Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the European Commission can amend technical measures via delegated acts based on joint recommendations from member states. These regional measures must align with conservation goals while balancing industry needs.
NSAC has urged policymakers to ensure that regulations are science-based and consistent across jurisdictions. The council reiterated that a 75kg limit on detached crab claw landings in the Skagerrak and Kattegat would not contribute to stock conservation and could create unintended economic impacts for fishers who rely on the bycatch value of crab claws.
Conclusion
NSAC thanked the Scheveningen Group for the opportunity to provide input on the draft Joint Recommendation and reaffirmed its position against the proposed restriction. The council remains open to further discussions but insists that any changes to regulations should be supported by scientific data and industry realities.