LYME BAY KING SCALLOP DREDGE FISHERY CLOSURE

Lyme Bay king scallop dredge fishery closure. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO), acting on behalf of all four UK Fisheries Administrations (UKFAs), sought views on a proposal to close UK waters in ICES area 7d and Lyme Bay area of 7e to the king scallop (Pectens maximus) dredge fishery. The proposed closures were partly in response to the EU closure of EU 7d waters to all UK and EU vessels in the king scallop dredge fishery from 15 May to 30 September, to offer protection to spawning stock in 7d and limit depletion of the stock in the Lyme Bay area of 7e due to displacement of fishing effort.

UKFAs are committed to ensuring fisheries are managed to a level where stocks are healthy and fished sustainably, environmental damage is minimised, and economic return is maximized whilst ensuring sustainable exploitation.

Three closure lengths were considered: 15 May – 30 September, 1 July – 30 September and 1 August – 30 September for ICES area 7d and Lyme Bay area of 7e (see map in annex for further information). The consultation also sought to determine if vessels 12 meter (m) and under sector should be excluded from any closure decision.

Having considered the call for evidence responses and scientific advice on the stock biomass, UKFAs have agreed to introduce a closure in UK 7d & Lyme Bay area of 7e (ICES rectangles 29E6, 29E7, 30E6 and 30E7), for the king scallop dredge fishery from 1 July to 30 September 2023. The 7d closure will apply to all UK and EU vessels in UK waters over 10m in length, the Lyme Bay area of 7e closure will apply to all UK and EU vessels over 12m in length.

More details can be found in the Decision Document for the Consultation here: Decision_Document_Response_to_the_call_for_evidence_on_ICES_area_7d_king_scallop_closure.pdf (publishing.service.gov.uk)

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