Scallop Management Webinar Highlights Challenges and Future Strategies

The North Western Waters Advisory Council (NWWAC) hosted a critical webinar on the management of scallop fisheries in the English Channel, emphasizing sustainable practices and regulatory measures.

This event, chaired by Emiel Brouckaert, is part of ongoing efforts to address the complex dynamics of non-quota species (NQS) fisheries management between the EU and the UK.

The webinar brought together stakeholders, including representatives from DG MARE, ICES, and national research institutes such as IFREMER and BIM, to discuss the current state of scallop stocks, scientific data, and management measures.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Stock Status and Scientific Information:

   – The state of scallop stocks in the English Channel was reviewed, highlighting differences in biomass and fishing efforts across various regions. The Eastern Channel showed a healthy biomass, particularly in the Bay of Seine, thanks to effective management measures. However, stocks in the South of Cornwall were noted to be less robust.

2. Management Measures:

   – Current management strategies include gear-based technical measures, spatial and temporal closures, capacity and effort controls, and marine protected areas. The uniform ring size of 97mm for French scallop fisheries was discussed as an effective measure that could be standardised across fleets for better management.

3. Research Needs and Data Collection:

   – The need for comprehensive data sharing between the EU and UK was emphasized. Data gaps and limitations were identified, with calls for improved data collection and sharing mechanisms to support better stock assessments and management decisions.

Presentations and Insights

Eva Carballeira Fernandez, DG MARE Head of Unit C5: 

Eva Carballeira Fernandez emphasized the importance of rapid and collaborative decision-making to ensure a level playing field for EU and UK fleets. “We need to move forward with an iterative and productive process to achieve sustainable management of scallop fisheries,” she stated, highlighting the urgency of coordinated efforts.

Dominic Rihan, KFO: 

Dominic Rihan highlighted findings from the STECF reports, noting the importance of harvestable biomass projection and ICES guidelines for assessing data-limited stocks. “Joint management plans that leverage synergies between the EU and UK are crucial to protect the fishery sustainably,” Rihan remarked, calling for collaborative strategies.

Eric Foucher, Ifremer: 

Eric Foucher detailed the French management system in the Bay of Seine, where a combination of seasonal fishing limits and closure areas has led to stock recovery. He stressed, “Habitat and residual currents play significant roles in determining scallop distribution, and our management measures have shown positive results in the Eastern Channel.”

Oliver Tully, Marine Institute: 

Oliver Tully discussed the challenges in stock assessment, such as the uncertainty in stock-recruitment relationships and the variability in growth rates. “Maintaining adult density is essential to ensure high fertilization rates and sustainable recruitment,” Tully emphasized, highlighting the need for robust scientific data to inform management decisions.

Conclusion

The webinar underscored the necessity of coordinated efforts between the EU and UK to develop effective and sustainable management strategies for scallop fisheries. The outcomes of this discussion will inform a forthcoming workshop in autumn 2024, aimed at further refining these strategies with input from a broad range of stakeholders.

Emiel Brouckaert concluded the webinar by reiterating the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration. “The success of scallop fisheries management depends on our ability to work together, share data, and implement science-based measures,” he said, encouraging stakeholders to remain engaged and proactive.