Policy paper

Sprat fisheries management plan (FMP): what happens next

Updated 16 December 2025

Applies to England and Scotland

North Sea and Channel sprat are an important prey species within the ecosystem. The sprat FMP was developed to ensure continued sustainable fishing for sprat and support longer term economic growth and ecological sustainability. 

Sprat stocks covered by the FMP are currently being fished within sustainable limits in English and Scottish waters. The FMP will therefore maintain the current sustainable management of sprat fisheries. 

Fishing activity has significantly declined in recent years. The FMP: 

• considers how domestic fishing opportunities for sprat may be improved 

• highlights key research areas for consideration to inform future management. 

The FMP has developed 5 policy goals where action will be taken.  

Policy goal 1: harvest sprat stocks sustainably with biomasses maintained above the level capable of producing MSY 

We will continue to support harvesting of sprat stocks sustainably by:  

• determining fishing opportunities using the best available scientific advice 

• working with coastal State partners to maintain sustainable harvesting through international negotiations 

Policy goal 2: identify and address evidence gaps and improve stock assessments  

In the next 1 to 2 years, we will identify which factors in current stock assessments have the greatest influence or certainty.   

In the next 2 years and onwards we will:  

• develop a research plan to fill evidence or data gaps required for improved stock assessments  

• explore alternatives to single-species models, including multispecies or ecosystem models 

Policy goal 3: identify ecosystem-based fisheries management approaches appropriate to sprat fisheries

To identify ecosystem-based fisheries management approaches for sprat, in the next 1 to 2 years we will:  

• produce a report on the ecosystem role of sprat  

• support participation in fishery-science partnership schemes  

In the next 2 years and onwards we will: 

• consider additional targeted evidence collection 

• research using an ecosystem-based approach for managing sprat  

• consider future policy to tackle impacts on the designated features of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and wider seas by sprat fisheries 

Policy goal 4: deliver a framework to support the role of the FMP in realising sustainable fisheries  

We will deliver a framework to support the role of the FMP in realising sustainable marine economies.  

In the next 1 to 2 years, we will: 

• conduct an economic feasibility assessment, including identification of market barriers 

• review technical measures for sprat fisheries and consider modifications 

• consider a pilot fishery for drift-netting in the Channel at a smaller mesh size 

In the next 2 years and onwards we will consider adapting the FMP supported by new evidence, or when new or improved measures are developed.  

Policy goal 5: develop strategies to adapt to the impact of climate change on sprat fisheries

In the next 1 to 2 years, we will:    

• strive to ensure fisheries research on climate change considers impacts on sprat fisheries, and their links within the wider ecosystem  

• explore how best to maintain collaboration across government, industry, and academia on initiatives to reduce environmental impacts of sprat fisheries 

In the next 2 years and onwards we will:  

• consider collaborative studies that explore the impacts of sprat fisheries on the marine environment, should UK fishing effort increase in the future 

• explore using ecosystem-based fisheries management approaches that are robust to the effects of climate variability