Crawfish consultation opens on seasonal closure proposals for 2026/2027 fishery management in English waters and ICES Area 7.
Consultation launched on 2026/2027 seasonal closure
The Marine Management Organisation has opened a consultation inviting stakeholders to provide feedback on proposed seasonal closures for the crawfish fishery in English waters of ICES Area 7.
The consultation, which runs until 23:59 on 12 May 2026, focuses on management measures for the 2026/2027 season and follows earlier engagement with the fishing industry in the South West.
Stakeholders who contributed during workshops and meetings held in Newlyn in February and Hayle in March have been told their views have already been recorded and do not need to be resubmitted.
Proposed closure options set out
The consultation outlines three proposed closure periods, all beginning on 22 November 2026, marking the end of the last neap tide.
The first option would see the fishery closed until 31 May 2027. The second extends the closure to 10 June 2027, aligning with the first full neap tide, while the third option runs until 24 June 2027, covering the second full neap tide.
A fourth option allows respondents to suggest alternative timings.
Under all proposals, retaining and landing crawfish (Palinurus spp) would be prohibited across English waters of ICES sub-area 7 for all UK and EU vessels, regardless of gear type.
Ongoing management measures and background
Seasonal closures have been in place since 2024 following engagement between the MMO and the fishing sector in response to concerns about the stock. The current closure is active from 17 November 2025 through to 31 May 2026.
In December 2024, the minimum conservation reference size for crawfish was increased to 110 millimetres through a statutory instrument, replacing earlier licence conditions.
Next steps following consultation
The MMO has stated it will review all responses received through the consultation alongside feedback gathered during earlier engagement events. A summary of responses and the final decision will be published in due course.
Any closure adopted for the 2026/2027 season will be implemented through a fishing licence variation.
