Proposed West Coast of Scotland Nephrops and North Sea Nephrops: Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) - consultation

General considerations

In summary, the Nephrops FMPs describe existing management measures and regulations, and the available science and evidence to assess the status of the stocks covered by them 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. 5 Do you have any comments on the specific sections in any of the proposed Nephrops FMPs? For example, on the:

• Stock assessment and MSY section which provides information on available stock assessments, MSY and stock biology for the individual stocks covered by the Nephrops FMPs.
• Fisheries management section which outlines proposals to maintain the sustainable management of Nephrops 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 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 Nephrops fisheries contained within the two Nephrops FMPs.
• Implementation and monitoring section which describes the process for implementation and states that the FMPs will be reviewed and improved over time as more evidence becomes available. The delivery of the policies and actions in the Nephrops FMPs will be monitored and assessed against a set of indicators to ensure the overarching outcomes and actions are effective in achieving the FMP policies and the requirements of the Act.

Q. 6 Do you have any other additional comments on the two proposed Nephrops FMPs?