The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025
Introduction
On January 29, 2025, the UK government introduced the Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025. These regulations amend the existing Sea Fisheries (England) Regulations 2019 to address several key issues within the fishing industry.
Key Changes
The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025 introduce the following changes:
- Quota Management: The regulations establish a new quota management system for shellfish, designed to improve the sustainability and economic viability of the shellfish industry.
- Bycatch Reduction: New measures are introduced to reduce bycatch, particularly of sensitive species such as marine mammals and seabirds.
- Enforcement: The regulations strengthen the powers of enforcement officers to combat illegal fishing and non-compliance with regulations.
- Vessel Monitoring: All fishing vessels over 12 meters in length must now be equipped with vessel monitoring systems, allowing authorities to track their movements and activities.
Quota Management
The new quota management system for shellfish will allocate individual quotas to fishers based on their historic catch records. This system aims to ensure that shellfish stocks are managed sustainably and that fishers have a fair and equitable share of the available resource.
Bycatch Reduction
New measures to reduce bycatch include:
- Gear restrictions: Prohibiting the use of certain types of gear that are known to cause high levels of bycatch.
- Area closures: Establishing seasonal or permanent closures in areas where sensitive species are known to congregate.
- Real-time monitoring: Using technology to monitor bycatch levels and provide alerts to fishers when bycatch limits are being approached.
Enforcement
The regulations strengthen the enforcement powers of officers, including:
- Enhanced penalties for illegal fishing and non-compliance.
- Increased authority to board and inspect fishing vessels.
- Improved coordination between enforcement agencies.
Vessel Monitoring
The requirement for vessels over 12 meters to be equipped with vessel monitoring systems (VMS) will allow authorities to:
- Track the movements of fishing vessels in real-time.
- Monitor compliance with fishing regulations.
- Detect and deter illegal fishing activities.
Impact
The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025 are expected to have a significant impact on the fishing industry. The new quota management system for shellfish is intended to improve the sustainability and profitability of the sector, while the bycatch reduction measures aim to protect marine biodiversity. The enhanced enforcement powers and vessel monitoring requirements will contribute to combating illegal fishing and ensuring compliance with regulations.
These regulations represent a comprehensive response to the challenges and opportunities facing the English fishing industry. By implementing these measures, the UK government seeks to promote a sustainable, profitable, and responsible fishing sector for the benefit of future generations.
The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2025
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