Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking the views of stakeholders on a seasonal fishing ban prohibiting the retaining and landing of crawfish (Palinurus app) for all UK and EU vessels with all gear types.

The purpose of the seasonal closure would be to:

• offer protection for breeding and spawning opportunities   

• reduce the risk of high mortality rates from catching fish that are in poor condition and from the potential of long net soak times or net loss in poor weather, and  

• support future growth in the population by allowing settlement of juvenile stock

Further information 

For more information and to access the consultation read here.