North Sea Herring Fisheries Management Plan

Policy 3: Monitor catches of NSAS herring and ensure that where possible all catches are counted against quotas

Rationale

This policy is in accordance with section 4.2.8 (‘Reducing Bycatch and Minimising Catches of Sensitive Species’) of the JFS.

Pelagic fisheries are, in the main, classed as a relatively clean fishery, meaning that issues with discarding and bycatch are deemed to be minimal. Given the capability of pelagic trawl vessels to take large tonnage hauls, the impact of any discarding / slipping, should it take place, would be considered high.

There is a legislative requirement under the landing obligation to land all species of fish subject to quota regulations, and for fishers to ensure that all catches are counted and recorded. From 7 March 2026, all pelagic fishing vessels fishing in Scottish waters and all Scottish pelagic vessels wherever they fish, must have REM on board. Similar measures are being developed for English waters. REM is an effective way of ensuring that fishing vessels comply with relevant fisheries legislation.

REM also supports fisheries managers to understand levels of fish bycatch within pelagic fisheries, and take appropriate action if needed. This is consistent with the action suggested within the pelagic conservation advice.

Actions

Ongoing actions

• Continue to monitor pelagic fishing activity using REM (where available) and other tools, and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed.
• Continue to monitor levels of fish bycatch within pelagic fisheries and take appropriate management action if needed.

Relevant Fisheries Act objectives

The relevant Fisheries Act objectives are the:

• bycatch objective
• scientific evidence objective
• sustainability objective