King scallop closure 2026 & 2027
King scallop closure consultation for 2026.
Fishers are being asked to respond to the Marine Management Organisation’s (MMO) consultation on proposals to close UK waters of ICES areas 7d & 7e to the king scallop dredge fishery in 2026 and 2027.
All UK waters in ICES area 7e are covered by the proposal instead of only the Lyme Bay area of 7e affected by previous closures.
The closure would apply to vessels 10m and over in 7d while vessels 12m and under would be excluded from the closure in 7e.
The option proposed for the king scallop dredge fishery closure is:
- 1 July to 30 September 2026 and 2027
The purpose of the consultation is to consider protection for stocks during the main spawning period for king scallops within areas 7d and 7e, with peak spawning typically in summer.
Scientific evidence indicates that protection for stocks against fishing activity during the summer months is likely to deliver the most benefit.
The consultation runs until midnight 30 November 2025.
For further information or to ask questions please contact the MMO Fisheries Management Team at FMP@marinemanagement.org.uk