Proposed Northern Shelf Ling Fisheries Management Plan

Policies

The relevant fisheries policy authorities do not have sufficient evidence to estimate MSY reference points for Northern Shelf ling fishery covered by this FMP. However, there is sufficient evidence to evaluate the likelihood of fishing below F(MSY) using a MSY proxy-based assessment. The advice and management approach follows the ICES MSY approach under their framework for Category 3 stocks. Fisheries policy authorities are committed to improving the data relating to this stock, as well as considering management measures required to ensure the sustainable management of Northern Shelf ling. These steps and measures are outlined under ‘FMP policies’ section, although it should be noted that these actions are likely to take some time to deliver due to prioritisation of resources on other commercially important stocks.

In addition, in accordance with section 5.4 of the JFS, the design and structure of FMPs directly relate to the fisheries objectives identified in section 5.4.2 but may also address wider issues in fisheries management depending upon the specific goals or targets of each plan and may contribute to one or more of the remaining fisheries objectives.

To ensure effective ongoing management of the Northern Shelf ling fishery in UK waters, the FMP identifies six policies focussed on domestic and international management priorities. These policies are subject to the consideration of the consultation and will be prioritised appropriately to ensure realistic and measurable outputs. They were drafted to meet the requirements of section 6(3)(b) of the 2020 Act (policy 1 and 2) and policies set out in the JFS (policies 3, 4, 5, and 6).

For each policy, the plan sets out:

• a rationale;
• ongoing, short and longer term actions; and
• how the actions support delivery of the fisheries objectives.

Each policy describes the outcome that is being worked towards, and the actions are intended to support the delivery of those outcomes.

Performance indicators for the FMP are addressed towards the end of this document.

The six policies of this FMP are to:

1. Continue to manage the Northern Shelf ling stock using existing tools to maintain stock levels;

2. Improve the evidence base underpinning the stock, in order to support sustainable harvesting of the Northern Shelf ling stock, with biomass maintained above the level capable of producing MSY;

3. Address discarding issues in the Northern Shelf ling fishery and ensure that where possible all catches are counted against quotas;

4. Deliver wider sustainable management by taking steps to minimise the impact of the ling fishery on the marine ecosystem;

5. Support fishing businesses to deliver socio-economic and cultural benefits for communities;

6. Reduce the impact of fishing on climate change and support the fishing industry to adapt to the impacts of climate change.