Policy paper

Fisheries management plans: policy information

Updated 9 January 2025

Applies to England

© Crown copyright 2025

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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/fisheries-management-plans/fisheries-management-plans

The UK government has responsibilities under international law and is committed to managing our fisheries in a sustainable way. Meeting our responsibilities will support vibrant, profitable, and sustainable fishing industries alongside a healthy and productive marine environment. 

The Fisheries Act 2020 provides the framework to manage our fisheries as an independent coastal state outside of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The act requires the UK fisheries policy authorities (Defra, and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) to publish fisheries management plans (FMPs) to help deliver our ambition for sustainable fisheries. 

The Joint Fisheries Statement lists 43 proposed FMPs. Some FMPs will be developed jointly by 2 or more fisheries policy authorities, whilst others will be developed by a single authority for its own waters.

What an FMP is

FMPs are evidence-based action plans, developed in collaboration with the fishing sector and other stakeholders. Their purpose is to deliver sustainable fisheries for current and future generations. 

Each FMP will specify the stocks, type of fishing and the geographic area covered, as well as the authority or authorities responsible and indicators to be used for monitoring the effectiveness of the plan. 

Once published, FMPs will inform a wide range of relevant fisheries management actions. There will not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to our FMPs – they will be designed according to the specific needs of their stocks, fisheries and location. Therefore, FMPs will vary in their content and format because our fisheries range from stocks whose management is well understood, to complex mixed fisheries with many stocks in whole sea areas.

How the plans work

FMPs assess the status of stocks, and must set out policies to restore stocks to, or maintain them at, sustainable levels. Each FMP will set out goals and the actions needed for their achievement. The precise mechanisms needed will depend on the goals set out in the plan. Defra (and the other national fisheries authorities) will coordinate the implementation of the plan.

FMPs will be delivered through a wide range of actions, such as drawing upon existing measures or, if needed, developing new regulations or technical measures. The plans may also progress using non-statutory routes, such as research plans, voluntary agreements and codes of conduct.

After publication, each plan will remain a live document that will be monitored, reviewed, and adapted as needed. Management actions will be updated when necessary to ensure the FMP meets its goals.

Preparing the plans

Defra is responsible for preparing and publishing plans. We are working collaboratively with delivery partners and the fishing sector on our FMPs. We will also seek views from other marine industries, policy makers, scientists and environmental groups when preparing FMPs. 

This represents a significant shift in our approach to fisheries management, with a greater emphasis on stakeholder participation and collaboration. We recognise the importance of enabling those with a stake in the fisheries to participate in the management of those fisheries.

Publishing the plans

Once drafted, FMPs must go through a public consultation, giving all interested parties the opportunity to give their views. 

Once finalised, for FMPs relevant to English waters, Defra will then seek approval from the Secretary of State to publish the FMP (although for FMPs produced jointly with other fisheries policy authorities, Defra will act jointly with the other relevant authority to publish the document). 

The timetable for preparation and publication of FMPs is set out in the amended Annex A of the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS).

Recent FMPs

We consulted on the first 6 FMPs between July and October 2023.

These first 6 plans have now been published:

Defra  has opened public consultations on the next 5 FMPs:

FMPs in development

Defra is preparing a further 4 FMPs. Our delivery partners are leading on the preparation of these plans.

Seabream FMP

The seabream plan is being developed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Find out more on the MMO’s seabream FMP page.

Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal FMP  

The Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal plan is being developed by the MMO. Find out more on the MMO’s Celtic Sea and Western Channel demersal FMP page.

Celtic Sea and Western Channel pelagic FMP  

The Celtic Sea and Western Channel pelagic FMP covers ICES Celtic Sea and Western Channel divisions (7e, 7f, 7g and 7h – Welsh and English waters only).

The plan will include the following species:

  • anchovy
  • greater silver smelt
  • herring
  • horse mackerel
  • pilchard

The draft FMP is being prepared by Defra.

To give your views or register your interest in future engagement events for the Celtic Sea and Western Channel pelagic FMP, email cswcpelagicfmp@marinemanagement.org.uk.

Wrasse complex FMP

The wrasse complex plan is being developed by the MMO. Find out more on the MMO’s wrasse complex FMP page.

Further information

If you want to find out more, you can:

  • read the FMP blog
  • contact Defra’s FMP team by emailing FMPs@defra.gov.uk
  • contact one of our delivery partners for information about a specific FMP in development, by using the links in the relevant sections
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