A consultation on a seasonal closure of crawfish fishery in ICES area 7 (English waters)
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 has opened an online survey for a seasonal closure during winter 2026 to spring 2027. The consultation is open until 23:59 on 12 May 2026.
If you provided a response during 2026 engagement events mentioned above then these have been recorded and you do not need to submit a further response.
In keeping with the engagement events proposed options are:
- option 1: 22 November 2026 (end of last neap tide) to 31 May 2027.
- option 2: 22 November 2026 (end of last neap tide) to 10 June 2027 (1st full neap tide).
- option 3: 22 November 2026 (end of last neap tide) to 24 June 2027 (2nd full neap tide).
- other: for respondents to suggest.
The seasonal closure would mean a prohibition of retaining and landing crawfish (Palinurus spp) in English waters of ICES sub area 7, for all UK and EU vessels with 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.
What happens next?
MMO will review all the information received during the consultation and engagement events. A summary of the responses and the decision will be published. A closure will be enacted by a fishing licence variation.
Further information on the previous closure consultations, a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available below.
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