NEW FIP PROJECT FOR BROWN CRAB IN THE EASTERN CENTRAL NORTH SEA

New FIP Project for brown crab in the Eastern Central North Sea. A pioneering Fisheries Improvement Project (FIP) in the Eastern Central North Sea (ECNS) launched in December 2024 thanks to efforts from the catching and processing sectors.

The ECNS FIP seeks to improve the management of the brown crab fishery, mostly comprising of UK, Irish and Polish brown crab vivier vessels. A pre assessment and action plan against MSC Version 3 have been completed by Poseidon Aquatic Resource Management Consultants and can be found on the FIP’s webpage that is kindly being hosted by SAGB. AC Marine Consultants Ltd have been appointed as the FIP project manager.

David Markham, the FIP chair said:

“Since 2019, CEFAS assessments suggest a sharp decline in brown crab stocks around the UK, and the whole industry is aware and concerned about this change. The fishery has been managed in the past through shellfish licences and minimum landing size restrictions, however an increase in demand for UK brown crab has increased pressure on our stocks.

The decline in brown crab stocks is not yet fully understood. Possible causes include increased fishing effort, the effects of other fisheries on crab grounds or changes in the environment, such as increasing sea water temperature due to climate change.

Gathering data, improving assessments and implementing management controls are imperative if the fishery is to improve sustainability. Our ECNS FIP provides a unique opportunity to make real change to the fishery by bringing together fishermen, processors, NGO’s and customers all committed to ensuring this area of the North Sea is fished sustainably for the long term.”

Dr Alex Caveen, the FIP project manager said:

“Given the relatively small number of vessels within the fishery and high level of interest from the catching operators, there is a real opportunity to reach consensus on management measures. Nevertheless, there is complexity, with the fishery spanning Danish, German and Dutch waters, therefore it will be essential that we liaise with the fisheries management officials in these countries before developing a harvest strategy.”

A detailed action plan comprising of the activities for 2025 – 2026 can be found on SAGBs website. A key priority over the next 6 months is liaising with the catching operators to obtain and analyse their catch and landings data, this will inform technical discussions on the most feasible stock assessment approach including a plan for long-term monitoring of the stock. The ambition is that following completion of these initial activities the fishery will be well placed to enter the MSC’s Improvement Programme in early-2027.

Project partners to date include Blue Sea Food Company (NESI), Blue Sea Fishing Company, Brown & Bright Shellfish, Hitromat, Macduff Shellfish Scotland, McBride Fishing Company, Ocean Fleet Seafood Europe, and Sea Farms, with technical advice from Seafish.