Our plan to achieve the eight fisheries objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020.
Contents
Background
We published the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) in November 2022. This is a requirement under Section 2 of the Fisheries Act 2020.
The JFS is a key element of the UK Fisheries Framework. It sets the high-level, strategic direction for fisheries management.
It sets out the policies for achieving, or helping to achieve, the eight fisheries objectives set out in the Act. We will need to consider these and the fisheries objectives when we develop policies in the future.
It also sets out a list of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). We will deliver these over the lifetime of the first statement. FMPs will be key tools to deliver sustainable and well-managed fisheries. This will help to meet the JFS’s policy commitments.
Some FMPs are joint approaches with other administrations. These reflect the geographic extent of the particular fish stocks. Others are Wales only plans which reflect and support our own policy aims and ambitions. The Crab and Lobster FMP is one of these Wales only plans. It is due to be developed and published before the end of 2026.
Crab and lobster and amongst the most valuable fisheries in Wales by value. The FMP will consider:
- brown crab
- european lobster
- spider crab
- crawfish
- velvet swimmer crabs
- common prawns
Despite their economic importance, these are non-quota, data-deficient stocks. They are managed by a series of technical measures and minimum landing sizes (MLS) only.
These species are a priority for FMP development. Crab and lobster fisheries are of high economic value to fishermen and dependent coastal communities. And there is a perceived need for better management.
Stakeholder engagement
We want to engage with stakeholders interested in the crab and lobster fisheries. We started by talking to commercial fishers in April 2024. Our purpose was to:
- gather feedback from stakeholders on current management approaches
- gather feedback about future management approaches, for shellfish fisheries in Wales
- understand stakeholder expectations
- understand how stakeholders want to be engaged in FMP development and co-management going forward
The Welsh crab and lobster FMP will include all removals from the stock. So, both commercial and recreational fishing activity will be covered by the plan.
We will be talking to recreational fisheries of crab and lobster in late summer, 2024. To have your say, please see Fisheries management plans in Wales (on seafish.org)
Crab and Lobster Advisory Group
The purpose of the Crab & Lobster Advisory Group (CLAG) will advise on Crab and Lobster fisheries.
The group will:
- give advice on the implementation of the Crab and Lobster FMP
- be the principal forum for stakeholder engagement and collaboration
- work to improve crab and lobster fisheries
Please contact us if you would like to be involved, either:
- in the informal forerunner of the CLAG – the FMP Development Group, or
- in the group itself in 2025