Atlanto Scandian Herring Fisheries Management Plan

Scope

This FMP relates to Atlanto-Scandian herring (ASH) (Clupea harengus). ASH is the generic term used for several stocks of herring, the largest of which is the Norwegian spring-spawning (NSS) herring. Throughout this document ASH refers to these stocks of herring, unless otherwise stated. The ICES advice relevant to this stock covers Norwegian spring-spawning herring in subareas 1, 2, and 5, and in divisions 4.a and 14.a. For the purposes of management, ASH / NSS herring is defined as herring caught north of 62°N, which includes UK waters of division 2a and relevant parts of division 4a. Therefore, the scope of this FMP is herring caught in the relevant UK waters of divisions 2a and 4a, although currently there are no vessels either UK or non-UK targeting ASH in 4a.

The Fisheries Act 2020 requires the relevant authority, or authorities, to prepare and publish FMPs in accordance with the list and timetable included in the JFS.^[3] The relevant authorities for this FMP are the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), and the Scottish Government.^[4] The plan has been prepared and published jointly by the relevant authorities for the purposes of the Fisheries Act 2020. As the coordinating authority, the Scottish Government has coordinated the preparation and management of this plan on behalf of the other relevant authorities.^[5]