Queen scallop fisheries management plan (FMP): what happens next
Updated 16 December 2025
Applies to England
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We do not currently have the scientific evidence required to assess the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of queen scallop stocks. With little scallop-specific management in English and wider UK waters, the stocks are at risk of overexploitation.
We have prioritised 4 initial management measures to support achieving the wider aims of the FMP, to ensure queen scallop stocks are fished sustainably.
The highest priority actions in the FMP, referred to as ‘measures’, have been summarised below. These measures will support the introduction of precautionary management (where appropriate), to provide increased protection to stocks.
Measure 1: review of existing queen scallop data collection
The priority for the FMP is to develop a comprehensive data collection programme for UK-wide queen scallop fisheries including the establishment of a reliable time series of data to inform sustainable management.
A first step will be to carry out a review of existing queen scallop data collection programmes and approaches applied across the UK, within 2 to 5 years, identifying key information gaps and evidence requirements.
Measure 2: consider increasing minimum conservation reference size (MCRS)
We will seek opportunities for strengthening existing measures in English waters to increase stock protection whilst the evidence base improves. An increase of the MCRS for queen scallops in English waters from 40mm to 55mm will be considered within 2 to 5 years. The aim is to provide greater protection to stocks in English waters, and to wider stock areas by aligning the MCRS in English waters with adjacent stock areas.
Measure 3: consider exploring options for gear specifications
Options for introducing gear specifications for queen scallop fishing in English waters will be considered within 3 to 5 years. This will include increasing our understanding of gear types which catch queen scallops across regions (targeted and bycatch) and identifying whether it could be beneficial to develop gear specification options. This will also include assessments of the environmental and economic impacts of potential gear specification measures.
Measure 4: review existing queen scallop management measures
A review of existing queen scallop management measures applied across the UK will be undertaken within 2 to 5 years. It will consider whether there are opportunities for strengthening existing measures by replicating measures in English waters to increase stock protection, whilst the evidence base improves.