King Scallop FMP
The King Scallop FMP will set out aims and objectives and management proposals that will apply to all commercially harvested scallops (dredged and hand-dived) from all English and Welsh waters. The FMP will apply to all vessels, of all sizes, and from all nations which operate in English and Welsh waters (UK and non-UK). King scallop fisheries were prioritised for FMP delivery in 2023 based on environmental, social, and economic factors, and in recognition of the work that has already been done by the Scallop Industry Consultation Group (SICG) to develop future scallop fisheries management.
The king scallop FMP work is being led by the SICG Working Group (SICGWG); this is an industry-led co-management group which brings together scallop catchers, processors, and UK administrations. The SICGWG has developed a first draft of FMP content including high level aims, objectives, actions which should be taken to achieve these, and proposed initial management measures for the king scallop fisheries in English and Welsh waters. The SICGWG carried out a stakeholder engagement phase to update stakeholders on progress made to date and to gather views, feedback, and comments to help refine the draft FMP before submitting it to Defra in January 2023. The FMP will now go through public consultation and the SICGWG will work with Defra to refine the plan before publishing in September 2023.
Updates
The SICGWG has developed a first draft of FMP content including high level aims, objectives, and actions which should be taken to achieve these, and proposed initial management measures for the king scallop fisheries in English and Welsh waters. The SICGWG carried out a stakeholder engagement phase (September to November 2022) to update stakeholders on progress made to date and to gather views, feedback, and comments to help refine the draft FMP before submitting it to Defra in January 2023.
Defra invited stakeholders interested in the King Scallop draft FMP to join an online session in March for an overview of key points in the draft plans including initial proposals for management approaches and an explanation of the next steps. The sessions were recorded and will be made available to attendees and anyone who reserved a place but was unable to attend. The FMP will now go through public consultation and the SICGWG will work with Defra to refine the plan before publishing in October 2023.
Next Steps
- Defra review process (February-March 2023)
- Formal public consultation on draft FMP by Defra (April-June 2023)
- Shellfish FMPs will be finalised and published (Autumn 2023)
Engagement Opportunities
There will be further opportunities to give views during the public consultation which will take lace before the plans are finalised, published and implemented.
For more information on the King Scallop FMP, please contact Seafish at fisheriesmanagementplans@seafish.co.uk
Seafish Website January 2023 Update Shellfish Industry Advisory Group