A consultation on a seasonal closure of crawfish fishery in ICES area 7 (2024 - 2025)

In 2023 MMO worked with industry to address concerns regarding the southwest crawfish fishery. Following a workshop and consultation the minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) was increased from 95 mm to 110 mm on 1 January 2024 and a fishery closure was introduced from 5 February 2024 to 30 April 2024.

A further workshop took place on 13 February 2024 where a further seasonal closure was discussed, with support for a repeat to the annual closure. 

In 2024 MMO ran a consultation to seek views on a further seasonal closure of the crawfish fishery in English waters of ICES area 7 for all UK and EU vessel using all gear types.  The consultation ran from 23 July 2024 to 18 August 2024.

MMO proposed the following potential closure options for consideration:

• no closure.

• from 1 November 2024 to 31 May 2025, or

• from 1 December 2024 to 31 May 2025, 

The consultation also provided an opportunity for respondents to suggest a different closure period to those suggested.

The rationale for the closure is to:

• provide additional protection and spawning potential by decreasing the number of removals and interactions with fishing activities.
• improve spawning potential by increasing the likelihood that crawfish can spawn and moult before interacting with fishing activity.
• improve the subsequent recruitment of juveniles into the fishery by protecting berried females for a specified period and allowing for settlement of juvenile stock.
• decrease the fishing activity and removals when fish are in a poor condition and more likely to suffer from high rates of mortality.
• reduce the risk of nets being left for long soak times or lost during unpredictable winter weather.

Having considered the consultation responses, port visit feedback, scientific and environmental evidence and socio-economic impacts MMO will introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in:

• English waters of ICES area 7 from 16 December 2024 to 31 May 2025 (inclusive).

Further information on the consultation, a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available in the 2024/2025 decision document below.

Documentation related to previous consultations can also be found on the webpage below.

If you have any questions or queries, then please email or call our helpline using the details provided below:

Email: sustainablefisheries@marinemanagement.org.uk

MMO helpline: 0300 123 1032.