Consultation on the 11 Proposed Joint UK Fisheries Management Plans for Demersal Fish Stocks

General considerations

In summary, the joint UK demersal FMPs describe existing management measures and regulations, and the available science and evidence to assess the status of the stocks covered by these FMPs in UK waters. The FMPs will ensure that the stocks continue to be sustainably managed above biomass levels consistent with an MSY approach. The links to related policies have been identified and discussed in the appropriate sections of the FMPs.

Q. 24 Do you have any comments on the specific sections in any of the draft FMPs? For example, on the:

• Stock Assessment and MSY section which provides information on available stock assessments, maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and stock biology for the individual stocks covered by the demersal FMPs.
• Fisheries Management section which outlines proposals to maintain the sustainable management of demersal fisheries in UK waters for the long-term. It also covers the current technical measures, as well as monitoring, control and enforcement.
• Environmental Considerations section which covers the legal duties and requirements relating to the protection of the natural environment arising from legislation. It provides details of the conservation advice developed by the SNCBS which describes the risks arising from the demersal fisheries contained within the 11 demersal FMPs.
• Implementation and Monitoring section which describes the process for implementation and that delivery of the policies and actions in the demersal FMPs will be monitored and assessed against a set of indicators to ensure the overarching outcomes and actions are effective in achieving the FMP goals and the requirements of the Act.

Q. 25 Do you have any additional data or evidence for the individual stocks which are classed as data deficient?

Q. 26 Do you have any other additional comments on the 11 proposed demersal FMPs?