A consultation on a seasonal closure of crawfish fishery in ICES area 7 (English waters)
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
Having considered the consultation responses, scientific and environmental evidence, socio-economics and relevant legislation and policy MMO will introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in ICES area 7 (English waters) from 22 November 2026 to 31 May 2027 (inclusive).
Further information on the consultation, a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available in the 2026/2027 decision document above.
Original consultation
Consultation description
2026/2027 consultation
Background
In 2024, MMO worked with industry to address concerns for the crawfish fishery in the South West. Stakeholder engagement events and consultations were held regarding seasonal closures of the fishery. Seasonal closures started in 2024. The third closure is currently active running from 17 November 2025 to 31 May 2026.
In December 2024 the licence condition for the increased minimum conservation reference size ‘MCRS’ (minimum landing size) of 110 millimetres (mm) was succeeded by a statutory instrument (SI).
2026 engagement
MMO held a workshop in Newlyn (February) and meeting in Hayle (March) with stakeholders to discuss the next seasonal closure (2026/2027) and explore longer term regulatory measures. Meeting notes are available on the South West Regional Fisheries Group (RFG) webpage.
There are continuing concerns from some stakeholders that the effort in the fishery is too high and annual consultations on the seasonal closure provides stakeholder fatigue along with uncertainty for business and fishing plans.
To ensure the stock remains both ecologically and economically sustainable MMO is considering longer-term management meaning the annual consultation on a seasonal closure may no longer be required. This will be subject to further engagement before any final decisions are made. As this work is longer-term the seasonal closure for 2026/2027 is being progressed.
Consultation
MMO ran a consultation to seek views on a fourth seasonal closure of the crawfish fishery for 2026/2027. This consultation ran from 30 April to 12 May 2026. Responses collected during the 2026 engagement events have been analysed alongside the online survey responses.
The seasonal closure would mean a prohibition of retaining, storing or landing crawfish caught in English waters of ICES area 7 for all UK and EU vessels, for all gear types.
The rationale for the closure is to:
- offer protection for breeding and spawning opportunities.
- reduce the risk of high mortality rates from catching fish that are in poor condition and from the potential of long net soak times or net loss in poor weather, and
- support future growth in the population by allowing settlement of juvenile stock.
Contact us
If you have any questions or queries, then please email or call our helpline using the details provided below:
Email: FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk
MMO helpline: 0300 123 1032
Previous consultations
Documents
Updates to this page
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Survey link removed because the consultation has closed.
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First published.