Common Fisheries Policy: implementation of the demersal landing obligation (discard ban) in England

We are seeking views on how we should implement the demersal landing obligation in England. The demersal landing obligation is a ban on the discarding of fish. This prevents fish being thrown back into the sea after being caught, except when subject to specific exemptions.

Demersal fisheries are those in which fishermen primarily catch demersal species (fish which live and feed close to or on the seabed) such as cod, haddock, sole and plaice.

In particular, we are seeking views on five keys areas of implementation including:

• phasing in of the landing obligation
• quota management
• access to exemptions
• catch management
• monitoring and enforcement

The landing obligation for demersal fisheries will come into force gradually between 1 January 2016 and 1 January 2019.

Implementation of the demersal landing obligation is one of several measures that will contribute towards achieving Good Environmental Status in our seas.