Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) for Pelagic Fisheries Management Plans

Herring

North Sea and Arctic (4a; UK waters of 2a)

Scottish

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Defra.

Blue Whiting

Northern Shelf (UK waters of 2a, 4, 5b, 6, 7a 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7j, UK waters of 12b)

Scottish, English, Welsh, Northern Ireland

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Welsh Government, Defra.

Mackerel

Northern Shelf (UK waters of 2a, 4, 5b, 6, 7a 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h, 7j, UK waters of 12b)

Scottish, English, Welsh, Northern Ireland

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Welsh Government, Defra.

Herring

North Sea and Eastern Channel (4, 7d)

Scottish, English

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Defra.

Herring

West Coast of Scotland (5b, 6)

Scottish, Northern Irish

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Defra.

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice, following the LTMS and in line with an MSY approach. (Applies to North Sea herring FMP only)

Continue to work with trilateral partners to support the sustainable harvesting of the stock through international negotiations. (Applies to North Sea herring FMP only)

Continue to support the trilateral request to ICES to identify the exceptional circumstances under which the LTMS should be reviewed and/or suspended, and work with trilateral partners to agree appropriate next steps if defined exceptional circumstances are triggered in the future. (Applies to North Sea herring FMP only)

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and in line with the LTMS. (Applies to Atlanto-Scandian herring FMP only)

Continue to work with coastal States partners and fishing parties with the aim of improving the sustainable harvesting of the stock. This will include working collectively to agree a comprehensive sharing arrangement for the stock, which in turn will help reduce fishing pressure. (Applies to Atlanto-Scandian herring FMP only)

Contain to maintain the UK TAC share at 1.95% to help manage fishing pressure in lieu of comprehensive sharing arrangements being put in place. (Applies to Atlanto-Scandian herring FMP only)

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and in line with an MSY approach, and in line with a LTMS when in place. (Applies to North-East Atlantic mackerel FMP only)

Continue to work with coastal State partners with the aim of improving the sustainable harvesting of the stock. This will include working collectively to make progress towards a comprehensive quota sharing arrangement for the stock, which in turn will help reduce fishing pressure. (Applies to North-East Atlantic mackerel FMP only)

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and following MSY principles. (Applies to Northern Shelf blue whiting FMP only)

Continue to work with coastal States to improve sustainable harvesting of the stock. This includes working collectively to make progress on a comprehensive sharing arrangement for the stock, which would reduce fishing pressure. (Applies to Northern Shelf blue whiting FMP only)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Precautionary Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective
• Ecosystem Objective

Following the ICES benchmark for the stock in 2025, progress coastal State discussions to refine and update the current LTMS. (Applies to Atlanto-Scandian herring FMP only)

Following the planned ICES benchmark for the stock in 2027, progress Coastal State discussions to refine and update the current LTMS. (Applies to Northern Shelf blue whiting FMP only)

Short Term (1-2 years)

Continue to take a precautionary approach to TAC setting, following the principles set out in the JFS until sufficient evidence is in place to make a robust assessment. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

For WoS herring, continue to work with the EU with the aim of maintaining the sustainable harvesting of the stock through international negotiations. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Precautionary Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective
• Ecosystem Objective

Continue to participate in ICES working groups to support ongoing data collection and maintenance of the international scientific evidence base which supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels. (Applies to all Pelagic FMPs except the West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMPs)

Continue to undertake scientific surveys, participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process. (Applies to North Sea herring and Atlanto-Scandian herring FMPs only)

Continue to undertake existing scientific surveys and , working collaboratively with other scientific institutes and the pelagic fishing industry, investigate options to improve the current knowledge gap of juvenile mackerel through additional new surveys. Participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process (North-East Atlantic mackerel FMP only)

Continue to identify possible improvements to available evidence base for NSAS herring (Applies to North Sea herring FMP only)

Continue to work collaboratively with the UK pelagic/fishing industry in the [co-sampling programme/including schemes such as the Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDCP)] allowing data to be gathered on a haul-to-haul basis ensuring [that] high quality, and representative, data are gathered and submitted to ICES. (Applies to all Pelagic FMPs except the West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMPs)

Continue to use the best available data/ evidence to underpin management decisions (implementing the precautionary approach when robust data is not yet available). (Applies to all Pelagic FMPs except the West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP)

Continue to participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process. (Applies to the Northern Shelf Blue Whiting FMP only)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Precautionary Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective

Utilise additional and new data streams, including (the use of biological data from the self-sampling scheme of the SPISDCP, and scientific) data derived from new technology such as REM. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Actively work in conjunction with partners in the UK-Norway Science/Industry mackerel collaboration project to determine the feasibility of undertaking a survey of 2-year-old mackerel NW of Scotland, fulfilling a current knowledge gap identified by ICES. (Applies to the Northern Shelf Mackerel FMP only)

Short Term (1-2 years)

Continue to undertake scientific surveys and participate in ICES working groups to support ongoing data collection and maintenance of the international scientific evidence base which supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Continue to participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Continue to use the best available data to underpin management decisions and refine the management approach as additional information becomes available. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Continue to participate in international stock assessments for WoS herring and contribute to the international advice process. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Continue to seek relevant additional evidence and data from academics, researchers and the fishing industry as part of the review of the Clyde herring stock and take relevant information into account when setting the TAC. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Precautionary Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective
• Ecosystem Objective

Consider options to improve data gaps in assessments, including through the use of REM. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP only)

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Continue to monitor pelagic fishing activity using REM (where available) and other tools and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to monitor levels of fish bycatch within pelagic fisheries and take appropriate management action if required. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective
• Bycatch Objective

Continue to monitor levels of bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries through REM, to improve understanding of risk and to support appropriate management if required. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to promote existing good practice within the fishing industry in relation to handling of sensitive marine species and returning them to the sea unharmed, where practical to do so. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Ongoing

• Bycatch Objective
• Sustainability Objective
• Equal Access Objective

Work with UK experts to consider the ecological role of pelagic species in the North Sea and West of Scotland, and how an ecosystem-based approach could be integrated into fisheries management [especially in relation to our goals for commercially important fish species which interact with West of Scotland herring]. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Short Term (1-2 years)

Work with ICES to consider further developing ecosystem-informed assessments and ecosystem modelling approaches in the future. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Explore avenues to protect and enable recovery of habitats that have been identified as important for herring from the pressures that pose risks to them. (Applies to West Coast of Scotland and Clyde herring FMP only)

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Continue to take account of socio-economic considerations [for both catching sector and on-going processors] as part of international negotiations and as part of the process to determine [fair] fishing opportunities [across the UK]. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to gather and use evidence on economic aspects of the fishery to ensure management decisions are informed by the best available evidence. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Encourage and support initiatives to promote the consumption and value of [the Pelagic FMP species]. (Applies to the North Sea Herring and the Atlanto-Scandian herring FMPs only)

Raise awareness of actions being taken by UK for the sustainable management of this fishery. (Applies to the North-East Atlantic Mackerel FMP only)

Ongoing and Short Term (1-2 years)

• Sustainability Objective
• Equal Access Objective
• National Benefit Objective

Collaborate with partners across government, industry, and academic sectors on initiatives to reduce environmental impacts of the [Pelagic FMP] fishery (including CO2 emissions). (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Collaborate across the UK and internationally on further evidence and analysis to understand the impact of climate change on [Pelagic FMP stocks] and develop options for how the [Pelagic FMP] fishery may adapt to climate change impacts in the future. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

As additional information becomes available in relation to climate change, explore the implications for this. (Applies to all five Pelagic FMPs)

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

• Sustainability Objective
• Climate Change Objective

Yes

Fishing activity for mackerel, herring and blue whiting has the potential to cause extraction of/the mortality of/injury to/ disturbance to, wild species for both target and non-target species.

These issues are within the scope of this SEA.

No

The proposed FMPs are not likely to result in significant increases or decreases in human population numbers, or changes to in-migration or out-migration.

This issue is beyond the scope of this SEA.

No

The proposed FMPs would not result in any significant human health issues. Whilst fishing remains a dangerous vocation and the proposed FMPs will promote safe operations, the regulation of the safety of fishing operations falls elsewhere.

This issue is beyond the scope of this SEA.

No

Fishing activity for mackerel, herring and blue whiting is unlikely to result in physical disturbance to the seabed and substrates, due to the pelagic (mid-water) nature of the fisheries.

This issue is beyond the scope of this SEA.

Yes

The proposed FMPs aim to make fishing practices more environmentally sustainable so there is scope to reduce the impact of fisheries on water quality. However, the actions proposed are unlikely to affect eutrophication, hydrographical conditions or contaminant levels (descriptors 7-9).

This issue is within the scope of this SEA.

No

The proposed FMPs are unlikely to result in significant additional vessel emissions and associated air pollution. Reducing vessel emissions from a carbon footprint perspective will be considered by the Climatic factors issue.

This issue is beyond the scope of this SEA.

Yes

The proposed FMPs will make an appropriate contribution to the climate change objective of the Fisheries Act 2020, seeking to ensure it develops relevant policies to both mitigate impact on and adapt to climate change.

This issue is within the scope of this SEA.

No

The proposed FMPs will not impact material assets related to; ports and shipping; fisheries and aquaculture; leisure or recreation; tourism; marine manufacturing; defence; aggregate extraction; energy generation and infrastructure development; seabed assets.

This issue is beyond the scope of this SEA.

Yes

Fishing activity for mackerel, herring, and blue whiting has the potential to interact with marine heritage assets. While the FMPs are not intended to focus on mitigating the impacts of fishing on the marine historic environment, there is potential for fisheries management to have a positive effect on safeguarding cultural heritage features.

This issue is within the scope of this SEA.

No

The Pelagic FMPs are unlikely to significantly alter the current effects of fishing practices on the landscape and or seascape.

This issue is beyond the scope of this SEA.

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Short Term (1-2 years)

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Field surveys could result in negative effects on the environment if impacts are not adequately considered during the planning stage.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

Climatic factors

Field surveys could result in negative effects on the environment if impacts are not adequately considered during the planning stage.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)

Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)

Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

No negative effects are anticipated; therefore this action is considered to pose a low risk.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Short Term (1-2 years)

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Short Term (1-2 years)

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Field surveys could result in negative effects on the environment if impacts are not adequately considered during the planning stage.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Field surveys could result in negative effects on the environment if impacts are not adequately considered during the planning stage.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)

Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)

Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to contribute towards the sustainability of targeted stocks. This may also have indirect benefits for the wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

This action, while important, will not by itself have a positive effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions in the future that could result in improvements across a range of receptors and ultimately contribute to the sustainable management of targeted stocks. This may have indirect benefits for wider environment, for example food webs and biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

This action, while important, will not by itself have an effect on the environment. However, it will allow for more informed management decisions. The intention of these would be to have a positive impact, but there could be unintended negative effects, resulting from spatial changes in fishing effort.

Data collection needs to be considered alongside proposed management actions as it will not prevent the associated fisheries from declining further if overfishing is taking place.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it should ultimately support the move towards harvest control rules that contribute to the sustainability of targeted stocks and reducing unwanted catches. Additionally, by reducing discards, the action may have indirect benefits for the broader marine environment, such as supporting food webs and preserving biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the FMPs (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it should ultimately support the move towards harvest control rules that contribute to the sustainability of targeted stocks and reducing unwanted catches. Additionally, by reducing discards, the action may have indirect benefits for the broader marine environment, such as supporting food webs and preserving biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the FMPs (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it should ultimately support the move towards harvest control rules that contribute to the sustainability of targeted stocks and reducing unwanted catches. Additionally, by reducing discards, the action may have indirect benefits for the broader marine environment, such as supporting food webs and preserving biodiversity.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this leads to management that reduces opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the FMPs (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing

This action is expected to deliver broader environmental benefits, for example for food webs and biodiversity. Implementing appropriate bycatch mitigation measures in the fishery is expected to contribute to the recruitment of sensitive marine species If then implemented, this will have a positive effect on biodiversity and, in some cases, MPA condition.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

No immediate negative effects are anticipated. If this eventually leads to management that reduces opportunities, this action may result in spatial changes in fishing effort that increases the fishing pressure elsewhere or technical alterations (such as gear switching) that may change the risk profile of the fishery with respect to bycatch and benthic impacts.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

Short Term (1-2 years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, developing practical options to integrate and adopt ecosystem-based approaches should ultimately reduce the impact that pelagic fisheries have on the marine environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Any unintended reduction in fishing opportunities could lead to spatial changes in fishing effort and increased fishing pressure elsewhere. Any change in fishing practices through mitigation could introduce a different set of pressures that may have negative effects.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, developing practical options to integrate and adopt ecosystem-based approaches should ultimately reduce the impact that pelagic fisheries have on the marine environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Any unintended reduction in fishing opportunities could lead to spatial changes in fishing effort and increased fishing pressure elsewhere. Any change in fishing practices through mitigation could introduce a different set of pressures that may have negative effects.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, developing practical options to integrate and adopt ecosystem-based approaches should ultimately reduce the impact that pelagic fisheries have on the marine environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

Climatic factors

Any unintended reduction in fishing opportunities could lead to spatial changes in fishing effort and increased fishing pressure elsewhere. Any change in fishing practices through mitigation could introduce a different set of pressures that may have negative effects.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)

Climatic factors

Ongoing and Short Term (1-2 years)

Including social, economic and cultural importance in fisheries management is consistent with ecosystem-based approaches and can lead to improved governance and environmental outcomes.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If stock negotiations lead to agreed management or quotas that reduce opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

If social, economic and cultural importance are considered in isolation, fisheries management approaches may have negative environmental consequences.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing and Short Term (1-2 years)

Including social, economic and cultural importance in fisheries management is consistent with ecosystem-based approaches and can lead to improved governance and environmental outcomes.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If stock negotiations lead to agreed management or quotas that reduce opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

If social, economic and cultural importance are considered in isolation, fisheries management approaches may have negative environmental consequences.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing and Short Term (1-2 years)

Including social, economic and cultural importance in fisheries management is consistent with ecosystem-based approaches and can lead to improved governance and environmental outcomes.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If stock negotiations lead to agreed management or quotas that reduce opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

If social, economic and cultural importance are considered in isolation, fisheries management approaches may have negative environmental consequences.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Ongoing and Short Term (1-2 years)

Including social, economic and cultural importance in fisheries management is consistent with ecosystem-based approaches and can lead to improved governance and environmental outcomes.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

If stock negotiations lead to agreed management or quotas that reduce opportunities, that may lead to spatial changes in fishing effort that increases fishing pressure outside the scope of the relevant FMP (area and/or species). If this leads to management that increases opportunities within the plan area, the increase in pressure could have a negative impact on the wider environment.

If social, economic and cultural importance are considered in isolation, fisheries management approaches may have negative environmental consequences.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Water (UK MS descriptors D10, D11)
• Climatic factors

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, developing practical options to reduce carbon emissions will support the development of climate change mitigation and adaptation actions for the pelagic fisheries. This should ultimately reduce the impact that pelagic fisheries have on the marine environment.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Any unintended reduction in fishing opportunities could lead to spatial changes in fishing effort and increased fishing pressure elsewhere. Any change in fishing practices through mitigation could introduce a different set of pressures that may have negative effects.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, the increased understanding will ultimately support better management which will help achieve sustainability actions.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

No negative effects are anticipated; therefore, this action is considered to pose a low risk.

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, the increased understanding will ultimately support better management which will help achieve sustainability actions.

Relevant SEA Issues:

• Biodiversity, fauna, flora (UK MS - D1, D3, D4, D6)
• Climatic factors

No negative effects are anticipated; therefore, this action is considered to pose a low risk.

North Sea herring FMP:

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice, following the LTMS and in line with an MSY approach.

Continue to work with trilateral partners to support the sustainable harvesting of the stock through international negotiations.

Continue to support the trilateral request to ICES to identify the exceptional circumstances under which the LTMS should be reviewed and/or suspended, and work with trilateral partners to agree appropriate next steps if defined exceptional circumstances are triggered in the future.

Atlanto-Scandian herring FMP:

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and in line with the LTMS

Continue to work with coastal States partners and fishing parties with the aim of improving the sustainable harvesting of the stock. This will include working collectively to agree a comprehensive sharing arrangement for the stock, which in turn will help reduce fishing pressure.

Contain to maintain the UK TAC share at 1.95% to help manage fishing pressure in lieu of comprehensive sharing arrangements being put in place.

Following the ICES benchmark for the stock in 2025, progress coastal State discussions to refine and update the current LTMS.

North- East Atlantic mackerel FMP:

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and in line with an MSY approach, and in line with a LTMS when in place

Continue to work with coastal State partners with the aim of improving the sustainable harvesting of the stock. This will include working collectively to make progress towards a comprehensive quota sharing arrangement for the stock, which in turn will help reduce fishing pressure.

Norther Shelf blue whiting FMP:

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and following MSY principles.

Continue to work with coastal States to improve sustainable harvesting of the stock. This includes working collectively to make progress on a comprehensive sharing arrangement for the stock, which would reduce fishing pressure.

Following the planned ICES benchmark for the stock in 2027, progress Coastal State discussions to refine and update the current LTMS.

West Coast of Scotland and Clyde Herring FMP:

Continue to take a precautionary approach to TAC setting, following the principles set out in the JFS until sufficient evidence is in place to make a robust assessment.

For WoS herring, continue to work with the EU with the aim of maintaining the sustainable harvesting of the stock through international negotiations.

This group of actions sets out how management can develop or maintain an MSY approach for the fisheries, and highlights areas that could lead to refined management approaches in the future.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Continue to participate in ICES working groups to support ongoing data collection and maintenance of the international scientific evidence base which supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels. Continue to undertake scientific surveys, participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process. Continue to undertake existing scientific surveys and , working collaboratively with other scientific institutes and the pelagic fishing industry, investigate options to improve the current knowledge gap of juvenile mackerel through additional new surveys. Participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process.

Continue to identify possible improvements to available evidence base for NSAS herring.

Continue to work collaboratively with the UK pelagic/fishing industry in the [co-sampling programme/including schemes such as the Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDCP)] allowing data to be gathered on a haul to haul basis ensuring [that] high quality, and representative, data are gathered and submitted to ICES.

Continue to use the best available data/ evidence to underpin management decisions (implementing the precautionary approach when robust data is not yet available).

Continue to participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process.

Utilise additional and new data streams, including (the use of biological data from the self-sampling scheme of the SPISDCP, and scientific) data derived from new technology such as REM.

Actively work in conjunction with partners in the UK-Norway Science/Industry mackerel collaboration project to determine the feasibility of undertaking a survey of 2 year old mackerel NW of Scotland, fulfilling a current knowledge gap identified by ICES.

West Coast of Scotland and Clyde herring FMP only:

Continue to undertake scientific surveys and participate in ICES working groups to support ongoing data collection and maintenance of the international scientific evidence base which supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels.

Continue to participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process.

Continue to use the best available data to underpin management decisions and refine the management approach as additional information becomes available.

Continue to use the best available data to underpin management decisions and refine the management approach as additional information becomes available.

Continue to seek relevant additional evidence and data from academics, researchers and the fishing industry as part of the review of the Clyde herring stock and take relevant information into account when setting the TAC.

Consider options to improve data gaps in assessments, including through the use of REM.

This group of actions sets out how management can develop or maintain an MSY approach for the fisheries, and highlights areas that could lead to refined management approaches in the future.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

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 required.

Monitoring unwanted catches is crucial for making informed, evidence-based management decisions.

Better information is required to understand the detailed nature of bycatch to adequately mitigate impacts.

Without this, it is not possible to design effective mitigation actions.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Alternative options can be considered as detailed actions are drafted.

Continue to monitor levels of bycatch in pelagic trawl fisheries through REM, to improve understanding of risk and to support appropriate management if required.

Continue to promote existing good practice within the fishing industry in relation to handling of sensitive marine species and returning them to the sea unharmed, where practical to do so.

Work with UK experts to consider the ecological role of pelagic species in the North Sea and West of Scotland, and how an ecosystem-based approach could be integrated into fisheries management [especially in relation to our goals for commercially important fish species which interact with West of Scotland herring].

Work with ICES to consider further developing ecosystem-informed assessments and ecosystem modelling approaches in the future.

Explore avenues to protect and enable recovery of habitats that have been identified as important for herring from the pressures that pose risks to them.

Understanding and minimising the impacts fisheries have on the marine environment and marine ecosystems is an important part of delivering an ecosystem-based approach.

Better information is required to understand the detailed nature of bycatch to adequately mitigate impacts.

Without this, it is not possible to design effective mitigation actions.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Continue to take account of socio-economic considerations [for both catching sector and on-going processors] as part of international negotiations and as part of the process to determine [fair] fishing opportunities [across the UK]. Continue to gather and use evidence on economic aspects of the fishery to ensure management decisions are informed by the best available evidence.

Encourage and support initiatives to promote the consumption and value of [the Pelagic FMP species].

Encourage and support initiatives to promote the consumption and value of [the North Sea Herring, Atlanto-Scandian herring] species.

Raise awareness of actions being taken by UK for the sustainable management of the fishery.

This is considered a requirement for making appropriate management decisions.

It allows management measures to be developed in partnership by those that will be impacted.

This will allow for alternative management measures to be discussed and agreed upon in the future.

Collaborate with partners across government, industry, and academic sectors on initiatives to reduce environmental impacts of the [Pelagic FMP] fishery (including CO2 emissions).

Collaborate across the UK and internationally on further evidence and analysis to understand the impact of climate change on [Pelagic FMP stocks] and develop options for how the [Pelagic FMP] fishery may adapt to climate change impacts in the future.

As additional information becomes available in relation to climate change, explore the implications for this.

Improving the evidence-base on the impact of fishing on climate change, along with maintaining and enhancing cross-sector collaboration, is crucial for making informed, evidence-based management decisions.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Alternative options can be considered as detailed actions are drafted.