April 2026 Catch Limit Review
Consultation description
No changes to the Pollack – Area 7 catch limit for the non-sector 10m and under vessels and the non-sector over 10m vessels are currently proposed. The MMO will review this catch limit throughout April with a view to increasing it. Potential changes to this catch limit will be reviewed following the England 10m and under and non-sector pools receiving their quota allocation for the year. This is anticipated to be late March or early April.
The release of allocations will allow the inshore quota managers to trade in quota on behalf of the non-sector pools. This will be necessary as the anticipated quota allocation for the non-sector pools in 2026 is not expected to provide fishing opportunity above the level of uptake in 2025.
The increase in catch limit at this later time will also provide support for the handline fishery which has the lowest environmental impact of the gears used to catch pollack. This is in line with the Fisheries Act sustainability objective and Section 25 of the Fisheries Act which states ‘When distributing quotas the national fisheries authorities must seek to incentivise the use of fishing techniques that have a reduced impact on the environment’.
If you have any concerns or suggested changes, please contact us using the details below:
Katie James: 07747638655
Jacob Bestwick: 07469443840