Consultation on spatial management measures for industrial sandeel fishing
Applies to England
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
We received 340 responses to the consultation. We also received over 32,000 co-ordinated emails from members of the Royal Society of the Protection of Birds (RSPB) and a Greenpeace petition attained 138,890 signatures.
We are grateful to everyone who took the time to respond and share their views, suggestions, and experiences on the matter. All responses were considered in the analysis of the consultation and were considered in the government response.
Original consultation
Consultation description
We want views from stakeholders on options for the future management of sandeels in UK waters. This includes potential measures set out in the consultation that could be introduced in English waters to reduce the detrimental impacts of industrial fishing on the marine ecosystem through the removal of sandeels.
Sandeel stocks are under pressure from industrial fishing in the North Sea and this has subsequent consequences on the marine ecosystem. Vulnerable seabirds, commercially important fish species and sea mammals, including whales, depend on sandeel as a food source. Based upon expert scientific evidence, Defra proposes managements measures for English waters that will reduce further impact on the marine ecosystem.
Last updated 31 January 2024 + show all updates
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We have added the government response to the consultation.
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Added the summary of responses. All responses were considered in the analysis of the consultation and will be considered in a future government response.
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First published.