ICES area 7d and 7e king scallop dredge fishery closure 2026 & 2027
2026 and 2027 consultation .
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is seeking views on proposals to protect the king scallop (Pectens maximus) stocks in UK waters of International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) areas 7d & 7e in summer of 2026 & 2027.
The purpose of the consultation is to consider protection for stocks during the main spawning period for king scallops within areas 7d and 7e, with peak spawning typically in summer. Scientific evidence indicates that protection for stocks against fishing activity during the summer months is likely to deliver the most benefit.
In past years a closure has been implemented in ICES area 7d and Lyme Bay area of ICES area 7e which focused on providing increased protection for spawning stock, facilitating juvenile recruitment and supporting future viability and sustainability of the stock.
Due to concerns regarding stock health in the 7e offshore areas MMO is proposing an option to extend the extent of 2026 and 2027 management to support spawning scallop stocks in the entirety of ICES areas 7e and 7d.
MMO is proposing a closure for 7d & 7e king scallop dredge fishery of:- 1 July to 30 September 2026 & 2027
The consultation is open from 10 November 2025 to midnight 30 November 2025. To respond to this consultation please see king scallop dredge closure consultation survey.
What happens next?MMO will review all the information received during the consultation and will publish a summary of the responses and the decision on whether to close the king scallop fishery, when and which vessels will be affected. Any closure will be enacted by a licence variation.
DocumentsKing scallop dredge closure consultation survey.
2026 and 2027 consultationReview the consultation and decision documents for the 2026/2027 consultation below.
The consultation document for the 2026 King Scallop Closure in 7 ICES area 7d and 7e can be found here: king scallop dredge closure consultation survey.