Transparency data

13 November 2025: King Scallop Implementation Group (KSIG) meeting minutes

Updated 18 December 2025

This meeting was held online via Microsoft Teams on Thursday 13th November 2025 (10:00am to 12:15pm).

Attendees 

• Martin Underwood - Defra chair 

• Katie Haldenby, Helen Hunter - Defra 

• Ella Brock - Seafish 

• Foster Gault - Seafood Ecosse, Scottish White Fish Producers Association 

• David McCandless - North Eastern Inshore Fishery and Conservation Authority 

• Robert Enever - Fishtek Marine 

• Clarus Chu - WWF UK 

• Andrew Brown - Clearwater 

• Holly Kaiser - Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) representative  

• Callum Williams - Marine Management Organisation (MMO) 

• Bill Brock - Leach Fishing 

• Libby West - Natural England 

• Leonie Robinson, Laura Seddon, Rebecca Korda - MMO Evidence 

• Tomas Chaigneau - Exeter University

Apologies 

• David Beard - Manx Fish Producers Organisation 

• Juliette Hatchman - South West Fish Producers Organisation (SWFPO), Scallop Industry Consultation Group (SICG) 

• Stuart King - West Coast Sea Products 

• Harry Owen - Western Fish Producers Organisation 

• Mark Duffy - Natural England

Agenda 

1. Welcome, apologies, minute taker, review of actions from August meeting 

2. Closure guidance update 

3. Low impact task and finish group proposal 

4. Annual membership and Terms of Reference review 

5. Stakeholder engagement discussion 

6. FMP actions on partnership working 

7. Input and output controls: reflections, updates and next steps 

8. Presentation on the Management Assessment and Prioritisation Tool for Action (MAPTA) research project 

9. Any other business

10. Review of actions and close

1. Welcome, apologies, minute taker, review of actions from August meeting 

All actions from the previous meeting have been completed with the exception of the MYSt update and the declaration of interest form. 

It was confirmed that the expert group MYSt report is due to be delivered by the end of the year and will be shared with the KSIG once available. Some declaration of interest forms are still outstanding and members will send them in.

2. Closure guidance update 

Callum Williams (MMO) presented the revised closure guidance document, explaining that it outlines principles and criteria for implementing spatial closures. He emphasised that the document remains flexible and will evolve over time. Stakeholder feedback has improved clarity and structure, and MMO will circulate the final draft for comments within 2 weeks before publication, likely accompanied by a blog post. 

Action: MMO (Callum Williams) to circulate updated closure guidance and slides by 28 November 2025. 

Discussion 

A member raised concerns about the strategic role of closures and their dependency on other management measures. MMO and Defra confirmed that decisions around closures are taken on a case-by-case basis and support broader FMP objectives. Members also discussed the recent 2026–2027 closure consultation, and MMO confirmed a standalone SICG meeting will be held to discuss responses.

3. Low impact scallop harvesting task and finish group proposal 

Libby West, on behalf of Mark Duffy, presented the updated proposal for a low impact task and finish group. The group would be focusing on a number of areas including:  

• understanding and reducing benthic damage and disturbance 

• assessing dredging effort and spatial footprint 

• mapping work commissioned by Natural England 

The proposal also includes evaluation of enviro dredge impacts and emissions. The proposal clarifies that bycatch remains a secondary focus, which is currently being led by the FIP. 

Discussion 

Members requested time to review the document before commenting. David McCandless flagged comparative dredge trials underway in the NEIFCA district. 

Action: Mark Duffy to reflect the trials in the NEIFCA district in the proposal by December 2025. 

Action: Members to review the proposal and provide feedback within 2 weeks by 5 December 2025.

4. Annual membership and Terms of Reference (ToR) review 

Chair responsibility 

As the group marked one year since the formation of KSIG, the Chair opened discussion on who should continue in the role as Chair. There was strong support by KSIG members for Defra to continue to act as Chair. This will be reviewed again, as per the ToR, in a year’s time. 

Membership changes 

The group acknowledged the departure of Lewis Tattersall from Seafish and welcomed Ella Brock as his replacement. The Chair noted that Ella has already been involved in the FMP process and would bring valuable continuity and insight to the group. 

Members reviewed the membership and were asked if there were any changes. Clarification under David McCandless’s representation was highlighted as the ToR should state that he represents IFCAs rather than just NEIFCA. The Chair clarified that IFCA members were present in a national capacity, not as representatives of individual districts. This distinction was important to ensure strategic alignment and avoid duplication of effort across regional bodies. David McCandless supported this clarification, noting that while regional perspectives are valuable, the group’s remit is national and should remain so. 

The conversation then turned to 2 potential new members who could contribute meaningfully, particularly in representing the under 15m scalloping sector. Members were generally supportive of expanding the group’s expertise, provided that any additions were carefully considered to maintain balance and effectiveness. 

Environmental NGO representation 

Environmental NGO (eNGO) representation was another focal point. Currently, the group includes one eNGO member, but several participants expressed interest in adding a second to strengthen environmental input. Members emphasised the importance of constructive engagement, suggesting that membership should be solutions-focussed and aligned with the group’s collaborative ethos. There was also discussion about the need for transparency and adherence to the group’s code of conduct, especially as the group’s influence grows. 

The Chair reiterated that diversity of perspectives is essential for the success of the FMP and that Defra would explore options for broadening representation while maintaining the group’s efficiency and cohesion. 

It was suggested by some members that increasing environmental expertise could also be achieved through environmental expertise, as there were a number of different experts in this field for example IFCA environmental representative. 

Action: Defra to circulate updated ToR to members by 21 November. 

Action: All members to review and approve the updated ToR within 2 weeks by 5 December.  

Action: Defra to propose options for additional eNGO or environmental representation by December 2025.

5. Stakeholder engagement discussion 

The group discussed how to improve transparency and communication with wider stakeholders. Members highlighted the challenge of knowing which documents could be shared externally. It was agreed that a clearer system should be introduced, with a presumption to publish unless explicitly marked otherwise. Suggestions included: 

• adding clear labels to documents indicating whether they are shareable. 

• using the Defra FMP blog to summarise meeting outcomes and share updates. 

• circulating blog links and minutes promptly to support stakeholder conversations. 

Discussion 

A member emphasised the importance of clarity and accessibility in stakeholder communications. They noted that while KSIG operates as a technical group, its decisions and discussions have wider implications. They advocated for materials to be written in plain language, especially when shared publicly, to ensure stakeholders can understand the rationale behind decisions. They also supported the idea of publishing meeting summaries and blog posts, suggesting that this would continue to build trust and transparency. 

Another member echoed the concerns and added that timely communication is key. They pointed out that stakeholders can feel left out of the loop, especially when decisions appear to be made without sufficient consultation. They supported the idea of using the Defra blog and other channels to keep stakeholders informed and suggested that KSIG should aim for a “no surprises” approach. It was recognised that the right balance needs to be achieved in sharing useful, timely updates whilst preventing misinterpretation around future management information.  

Action: Katie Haldenby to circulate links to recent blog posts and ensure future documents are clearly marked for public sharing. This will be an ongoing action. 

Action: Defra to continue publishing summaries of KSIG meetings on the FMP blog. This will be an ongoing action.

6. FMP actions on partnership working 

The group revisited the FMP measure on partnership working, noting that while KSIG has made progress in fostering collaboration, there is a need to assess how well existing partnerships are functioning and where improvements can be made. Defra proposed that a short-term task and finish group could be formed to review FMP commitments and current arrangements, identify gaps, and suggest ways to strengthen coordination across sectors. 

Discussion 

Members supported the formation of a task and finish group to review partnership working. Several members volunteered to join the group. The group discussed the scope of the task and finish group, agreeing that it should focus on practical outcomes and avoid duplicating existing work. There was interest in mapping current partnerships, identifying areas of overlap or fragmentation, and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives. The importance of cross-sector collaboration was emphasised, particularly in relation to science, industry, and environmental groups. The group agreed that the review should be time-bound and outcome-focused. 

Action: Helen Hunter to confirm volunteers and convene the task and finish group.

7. Input and output controls: Reflections, updates and next steps 

Defra provided an update on the input and output controls workstream, following the recent workshop held in Newcastle. They reported that feedback from the workshop was being collated and would inform discussions at the Scallop Science Group (SSG), which will help inform future work on the input and output controls work stream. The SSG is scheduled to reconvene in late November. 

Defra explained that a roadmap was being developed to guide the group’s work through to formal consultation. This roadmap would outline key milestones, decision points, and areas requiring further evidence or stakeholder input.  

Discussion 

Defra clarified that the science group would operate differently than during the FMP drafting phase. Rather than soliciting broad written feedback, the group would now respond to targeted questions discussed in meetings, with advice captured in formal minutes. This approach aims to streamline input and provide clearer context for decision-making. 

A member asked who had drafted the questions for the SSG. Defra explained that the questions were derived from discussions at the Newcastle workshop and refined collaboratively between Defra and Seafish. Defra welcomed additional questions from KSIG members and confirmed that they could be submitted for consideration to future meetings. Defra also agreed to share the draft questions for the initial SSG meeting. 

Another member raised questions about the science group’s capacity and whether it was funded to undertake substantial research. Defra clarified that the group members were contributing their time voluntarily, and any larger research projects would need to be separately commissioned and funded. Defra has access to R&D funding for FMP development, though it is subject to prioritisation. 

Natural England highlighted the importance of linking the input/output controls work with spatial management discussions and other relevant groups, such as the low impact environmental task and finish group and the FMP R&D steering group. They suggested mapping these connections to ensure coordination and avoid duplication. 

Seafish, which facilitates the science group, emphasised that it was working closely with Defra to ensure alignment between the SSG’s work and KSIG’s priorities. They reiterated the importance of a strategic approach and the need to consider combinations of measures rather than isolated interventions. 

Members stressed the need to avoid evaluating management measures in isolation and supported the idea of a suite of measures. Members emphasised the importance of understanding cumulative impacts. There was interest in understanding how scientific evidence would be used to inform management decisions. 

Members welcomed the structured approach and emphasised the importance of transparency in the roadmap. The group discussed the need for clear communication with stakeholders about the rationale and implications of proposed controls. 

Action: Katie Haldenby to circulate the revised position paper for stakeholders with KSIG for comment by December 2025. 

Action: Katie Haldenby to circulate roadmap by December 2025. 

Action: Members to review and provide feedback on the roadmap by December 2025. 

Action: Defra to share initial SSG questions with KSIG by 21 November 2025.

9. Presentation on Management Assessment and Prioritisation Tool for Action (MAPTA) research project 

The final substantive item on the agenda was a presentation from the MMO Evidence Team on the development of the MAPTA (Management Assessment and Prioritisation Tool for Action) tool. Leonie Robinson introduced the session, explaining that the tool is part of a Defra-funded R&D project aimed at supporting Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) by providing structured, evidence-based decision-making support. 

Overview and Purpose 

Leonie outlined the rationale behind the tool, noting the lack of existing methods to systematically assess trade-offs between management options. The MAPTA tool is designed to help policymakers and stakeholders understand the implications of different interventions, particularly in balancing the objectives of the Fisheries Act. 

Management options matrix 

Laura Seddon presented the Management Options Matrix, which compiles evidence on various input and output control measures. The matrix evaluates each option against 3 key criteria: 

• effectiveness: how well the measure supports FMP goals such as sustainable stocks, a healthy marine environment, and a profitable fishing sector

• feasibility: including technical, economic, legal, operational, and enforcement considerations 

• acceptability: assessed from the perspectives of different stakeholder groups, including scientists, managers, government, industry, NGOs, and statutory nature conservation bodies (SNCBs)

Laura invited members to provide feedback on the matrix and suggested that comments could be submitted via email or directly annotated on the document. She also asked whether members would be comfortable attributing feedback to their organisations rather than individuals, to maintain transparency. 

Trade-Offs Tool 

Tomas Chaigneau from the University of Exeter introduced the trade-offs component of MAPTA. He explained that the tool is more of an approach than a rigid framework, designed to facilitate participatory workshops where stakeholders can map out the potential winners and losers of proposed management interventions. 

The tool encourages early consideration of trade-offs, aiming to improve transparency, legitimacy, and equity in decision-making. Tomas described how the tool uses qualitative data to assess current and future impacts on both ecological and social systems, and how it can help identify unintended consequences and areas of conflict. 

He emphasized that the tool does not generate definitive answers but rather supports informed deliberation. The success of the tool depends heavily on who participates in the workshops and the quality of the input data. 

Discussion 

Members welcomed the presentation and expressed appreciation for the work done so far.  

One member asked whether the tool could assess impacts over different timeframes, such as short-term versus long-term effects. Tomas confirmed that the tool can accommodate this, although it adds complexity and requires careful facilitation. 

Queries were raised about whether the matrix should include political feasibility or adherence with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). It was noted that while political considerations are important, they are for ministers as part of their decision-making process. Compliance with the TCA, alongside other commitments, would be assessed by Defra on an ongoing basis as the work develops. The group emphasised the need for transparency in how decisions are made and the importance of documenting the sources and perspectives included in the tool. 

The group discussed how to ensure diverse stakeholder perspectives are captured, including the potential to represent EU interests in the tool. 

Members highlighted the importance of linking the MAPTA work with other FMP-related groups, such as the environmental task and finish group and the FMP R&D steering group. Ensuring coordination and feedback loops between these groups was seen as essential. 

Action: MMO Evidence team to circulate presentation slides and a summary of key questions for feedback by 21 November 2025. 

Action: KSIG Members to review the Management Options Matrix and provide feedback to Laura Seddon, including Katie Haldenby in cc by 5 December 2025. 

Action: Defra and Mark Duffy to map links between the science group, environmental task and finish group, and R&D steering group to ensure coordination.

9. AOB 

None received.

10. Review of actions from current meeting, next KSIG meetings, close meeting 

The next meeting will be held on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday 10th February at 2:30pm until 5:00pm.

Defra asked whether afternoon times are workable for members. The meeting in the summer is due to be held in August and members were asked if this should be moved to earlier or later in the year. 

Action: Defra to send around a survey asking KSIG members for their preferences with meetings. 

Actions 

Action: MMO (Callum Williams) to circulate updated closure guidance and slides by 28 November 2025. 

Action: Mark Duffy to reflect the trials in the NEIFCA district in the proposal by December 2025. 

Action: Members to review the low impact scallop harvesting T&F group proposal and provide feedback within 2 weeks by 5 December 2025. 

Action: Defra to circulate updated KSIG ToR to members by 21 November. 

Action: All members to review and approve the updated ToR within 2 weeks by 5 December.  

Action: Defra to propose options for additional eNGO or environmental representation by December 2025. 

Action: Helen Hunter to confirm volunteers and convene the task and finish group. 

Action: Katie Haldenby to circulate the revised position paper for stakeholders with KSIG for comment by December 2025. 

Action: Katie Haldenby to circulate roadmap by December 2025. 

Action: Members to review and provide feedback on the roadmap by December 2025. 

Action: MMO Evidence team to circulate presentation slides and a summary of key questions for feedback by 21 November 2025. 

Action: KSIG Members to review the Management Options Matrix and provide feedback to Laura Seddon, including Katie Haldenby in cc by 5 December 2025.