MMO confirms wider 2026 king scallop closure in Areas 7d and 7e, citing stock decline, MSY data, consultation responses, and spawning protection measures.
Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has announced a temporary closure of the king scallop dredge fishery in ICES areas 7d and 7e for 2026, extending the protected area and setting specific vessel‑size restrictions following a detailed assessment of stock health, landings trends and scientific evidence from the most recent Cefas survey.
The decision, announced on 23 March 2026, will apply from 1 July to 30 September 2026. The closure in ICES division 7d will affect all vessels over 10 metres. In ICES division 7e, the closure will apply to all vessels over 12 metres. The restriction will apply to both UK and EU dredge vessels and will be enacted through a licence variation.
Closure Extended Owing to Declining Stock Evidence
MMO has extended the area of the 7e closure to include all English waters of the division after stock assessment indicators showed a considerable negative trend in stock health and a reduction in harvestable biomass. Evidence drawn from landings data, scientific surveys, and intelligence reporting indicated that beds in the 7e offshore area have suffered a marked decline, with octopus predation during the 2025 bloom identified as an additional negative pressure on the stock.
The latest Cefas stock assessment for the 7e offshore area (7.e.O) estimated exploitation below the MSY proxy target of 26.4 percent, but MMO stressed that these figures cover both UK and EU beds, reducing precision for UK waters alone. Draft survey data and landings intelligence nevertheless corroborated substantial pressures on the UK component of the stock.
In 7d, stock modelling suggested exploitation generally above the MSY proxy target of 23.4 percent in most years between 2017 and 2023, except for 2019 and 2023. Landings fluctuated widely, with a notable peak in 2018 when the harvest rate exceeded 66 percent due to increased landings and lower biomass estimates. Despite this, the 7d stock is still considered relatively healthy.
Scientific and Historic Data Underpin the Three‑Month Closure
MMO stated that choosing a three‑month closure aligns with peak spawning activity for king scallops, typically occurring in summer months. The period also reflects a balance between environmental protection and socio‑economic realities faced by the sector. Analysis showed that longer closures, such as the 15 May to 30 September restriction used in 2024, had caused significant socio‑economic strain on catching and processing sectors and displaced fishing activity across the UK, including into the North Sea and Scottish waters.
During 2025, the shorter three‑month closure displaced fewer vessels compared with previous years but still resulted in altered patterns of effort and contributed to shifts in landings distribution. MMO landings analysis indicated that 7d catches increased significantly between 2024 and 2025, while 7e catches declined sharply, influenced by the octopus predation event and declining biomass. Vessel participation in 7e fell from 78 vessels in 2022 to 54 in 2025.
Consultation Responses Show Mixed Industry Views
The 2025 consultation attracted 33 responses from vessel owners, industry groups, fisheries managers, EU Member States and other stakeholders. Responses indicated a wide mix of opinion.
Approximately half supported the proposed closure for 2026 and 2027, citing the need to protect the spawning stock and the broader environmental benefits of reduced dredging activity. Others opposed the closure entirely on economic grounds, warning of displacement, reduced ability to fulfil market orders, and spatial squeeze caused by overlapping management measures in other areas.
Respondents also raised concerns about the effect of closures on North Sea and mid‑Channel potting box fishing grounds, warning of potential gear conflict and impacts on brown crab migration zones. Some favoured a longer closure aligned with the French management period, while others argued for reduced closures focused only on 7d, given the disruption caused by octopus predation in 7e.
Smaller vessel operators highlighted the importance of being exempt from closures due to limited diversification opportunities and weather‑related constraints. Vessels under 10 metres in 7d and under 12 metres in 7e will continue to be exempt, with MMO noting that these vessel classes made limited impact on stocks during previous closure periods.
Environmental and Socio‑Economic Balance Central to the Decision
MMO said the decision reflects the Fisheries Act 2020 objectives and the Joint Fisheries Statement, which emphasise sustainable exploitation, rebuilding of stocks and environmental protection balanced with socio‑economic needs. A closure from 1 July to 30 September provides targeted spawning protection while minimising further economic pressure.
Analysis showed that the projected biomass retention for 7e during a three‑month closure would be significant, with estimates of 1,785 tonnes based on 2022–2024 averages or 1,468 tonnes based on 2022–2025 values.
MMO rejected calls to widen exemptions to larger vessels, stating that such changes would increase pressure on the already stressed stock and lacked sufficient scientific backing.
Next Steps for Licence Holders
The closure will be enacted through a fishing vessel licence variation. UK licence holders with scallop entitlements or dredge gear recorded in their logbooks will be notified by email. EU vessels holding UK foreign vessel licences will receive notification from the UK Single Issuing Authority.
MMO will continue to monitor landings and vessel activity throughout the 2026 season to evaluate the effectiveness of the closure and determine whether to repeat the measure in 2027. The organisation will also continue engagement with the scallop sector through the King Scallop Fisheries Management Plan, which aims to bring forward longer‑term reforms and non‑quota stock management approaches.
