Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species fisheries management plan (FMP) for English waters
The Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species FMP describes how we will achieve the long-term sustainable management of these fisheries in English waters.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
The Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species (NQS) fisheries management plan (FMP) covers stocks in English waters only.
Defra prepared the FMP in partnership with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), in collaboration with:
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scientists
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regulators
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statutory nature conservation bodies
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other fishery stakeholders
The Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species (NQS) FMP has been prepared and published to meet the requirements set out in the Fisheries Act 2020.
Areas covered
English waters.
Species
The following species are covered by the Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species FMP.
Bony fish:
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john dory
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red mullet
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grey gurnard
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red gurnard
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tub gurnard
Elasmobranchs:
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lesser spotted dogfish
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smoothhound
Cephalopods:
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common cuttlefish
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common octopus
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curled octopus
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veined squid or longfinned squid
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European common squid
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common squid
Status
A public consultation to seek views on the draft plan closed on 19 January 2025. View the consultation and the government response at Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species: proposed fisheries management plan consultation.
The final FMP was published in December 2025.
Contact us
If you would like more information, email FMPs@defra.gov.uk.
Updates to this page
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Added fisheries management plan and summary of what happens next.
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Added link to public consultation on the proposed fisheries management plan (FMP).
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First published.