Three Pelagic Fisheries Management Plans - Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Greater Silver Smelt

North Sea (2a, 4)

Scottish, English

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Defra.

Horse Mackerel

North Sea and Eastern Channel (4, 7d)

Scottish, English

Marine Directorate, Defra.

Greater Silver Smelt

West Coast of Scotland (5b, 6a)

Scottish, Northern Irish

Marine Directorate, DAERA, Defra.

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and in line with an MSY approach. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to work with the EU to support the sustainable harvesting of the stock through international negotiations. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Ongoing

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

Continue to determine fishing opportunities informed by the best available scientific advice

Continue to take a precautionary approach by managing the stock as a bycatch only fishery until the biomass is improved to sufficient levels

Continue to work with the EU through international negotiations with the aim of improving the evidence base to support action to improve the biomass of the stock.

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 that supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to undertake scientific surveys, participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish pelagic industry in the Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDCP), allowing data to be gathered on a haul by haul basis, ensuring that representative high-quality catch data are gathered and submitted to ICES. (Applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Continue to work collaboratively with the UK Demersal industry in allowing observers and samplers to gather data both at sea and on land, ensuring high quality representative data are gathered and submitted to ICES. (Applies to North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP only)

Continue to use the best available data to underpin management decisions implementing the precautionary approach when robust data is not yet available. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Precautionary Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective

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

Short Term (1-2 years)

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

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

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Precautionary Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective

Following ICES advice on the adequacy of existing acoustic surveys and advice on effective monitoring of the stock, work with the EU to agree next steps which may include carrying out additional acoustic surveys from 2027 onwards, as required for the stock assessment.

Use the outputs from the work plan set by ICES with regards to genetic sampling and use this information to support management decisions to rebuild the southern North Sea and eastern Channel biomass.

Work with the EU and ICES to support the assessment of potential mixing between this stock and the Western waters stock and to which level and consider what measures might be applied to protect the southern North Sea and eastern Channel biomass in 7.e ahead of international negotiations for 2028, subject to further scientific evidence.

Short term (1-2 years)

Continue to monitor pelagic fishing activity using REM and other tools and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed. (Applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Continue to monitor demersal fishing activity using at sea observers, on land market sampling, REM (where available) and other tools, and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed. (Applies to North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP only)

Monitor levels of fish bycatch within [pelagic] fisheries and take appropriate management action as required. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Ongoing

• Sustainability Objective
• Scientific Evidence Objective
• Bycatch Objective

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 three Pelagic FMPs)

Where possible, improve evidence base on the ecosystem role and function of [relevant stock] to support an improved understanding of the most appropriate ecosystem-based management approach for these stocks. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

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 three Pelagic FMPs)

Work with UK experts to consider the ecological role of pelagic and semi-pelagic species in the North Sea and West of Scotland, and how an ecosystem-based approach could be integrated into fisheries management (Applies to the North Sea Greater Silver Smelt, and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Ongoing and long-term actions (three to five years)

• Bycatch Objective
• Sustainability Objective
• Ecosystem Objective

Work with ICES to consider further developing ecosystem-informed assessments and ecosystem modelling approaches in the future. (Applies to the North Sea Greater Silver Smelt, and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Medium- to short-term actions (three to five years)

Continue to take account of socio-economic considerations as part of international negotiations and as part of the process to determine fishing opportunities.

Continue to gather and use evidence on economic aspects of the fishery to ensure management decisions are informed by the best available evidence.

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 [relevant stock] fishery (including CO2 emissions). (Applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel FMP only)

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

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

Medium to Long Term (3-5 years)

• Sustainability Objective
• Climate Change Objective
• Ecosystem objective

Yes

Fishing activity for horse mackerel and greater silver smelt 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.

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 measures 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 horse mackerel and greater silver smelt 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.

Policy 1 & 1a (1a applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel FMP only): Harvest [the stock]/ [the Western horse mackerel stock in ICES division 4.a] sustainably, contributing to [maintaining]/ [maintaining or restoring] the biomass above the level capable of producing MSY

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

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)

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

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

Policy 1b(North Sea Horse Mackerel FMP only) - Harvest the SCNS and Eastern Channel horse mackerel stock sustainably, contributing to restoring the biomass above the level capable of producing MSY

Continue to determine fishing opportunities informed by the best available scientific advice.

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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Continue to take a precautionary approach by managing the stock as a bycatch only fishery until the biomass is improved to sufficient levels.

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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Continue to work with the EU through international negotiations with the aim of improving the evidence base to support action to improve the biomass of the stock.

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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Policy 2 & 2a (2a applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel FMP only): Use the best-available scientific evidence to support management decisions relating to the setting of sustainable fishing opportunities [for the Western horse mackerel stock in ICES division 4.a]

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.

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

Continue to undertake scientific surveys, participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process.

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

Continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish pelagic industry in the Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDCP), allowing data to be gathered on a haul by haul basis, ensuring that representative high-quality catch data are gathered and submitted to ICES.

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 goal 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.

Continue to work collaboratively with the fishing demersal industry in allowing observers and samplers to gather bycatch data both at sea and on land, ensuring that high-quality representative data are gathered and submitted to ICES. (North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP)

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 goal 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.

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

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

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

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

Work with ICES to consider further developing ecosystem-informed assessments and ecosystem modelling approaches in the future. (North Sea GSS FMP and WoS GSS FMP)

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

Policy 2b (North Sea Horse mackerel FMP only): Use the best available science, including emerging evidence from ongoing research, to strengthen the management and support the recovery of horse mackerel in the southern and central North Sea and Eastern Channel

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

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

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

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

Following ICES advice on the adequacy of existing acoustic surveys and advice on effective monitoring of the stock, work with the EU to agree next steps which may include carrying out additional acoustic surveys from 2027 onwards, as required for the stock assessment.

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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Use the outputs from the work plan set by ICES with regards to genetic sampling and use this information to support management decisions to rebuild the southern North Sea and eastern Channel biomass.

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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Work with the EU and ICES to support the assessment of potential mixing between this stock and the Western waters stock and to which level and consider what measures might be applied to protect the southern North Sea and eastern Channel biomass in 7.e ahead of international negotiations for 2028, subject to further scientific evidence.

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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Policy 3: Monitor catches of [relevant stocks] and ensure that where possible all catches are counted against quotas

Continue to monitor pelagic fishing activity using REM and other tools and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed.

Ongoing

Although this action will have no immediate positive environmental effects, it will improve confidence in catch and bycatch information and strengthen the evidence base available for future management decisions. 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

Monitor levels of fish bycatch within [pelagic] fisheries and take appropriate management action as required.

Ongoing

Although this action will have no immediate positive environmental effects, it will improve confidence in catch and bycatch information and strengthen the evidence base available for future management decisions. 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

Continue to monitor demersal fishing activity using at sea observers, on land market sampling, REM (where available) and other tools, and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed (North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP only)

Ongoing

Although this action will have no immediate positive environmental effects, it will improve confidence in catch and bycatch information and strengthen the evidence base available for future management decisions.

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

Policy 4: Deliver wider sustainable management by minimising the impact of the [relevant stock] fishery on the marine ecosystem

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

Ongoing and long-term actions (three to five years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it is expected to improve understanding of ecosystem function, food web interactions and bycatch risks, which may help inform future management decisions.

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

Where possible, improve evidence base on the ecosystem role and function of [relevant stock] to support an improved understanding of the most appropriate ecosystem-based management approach for these stocks.

Ongoing and long-term actions (three to five years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it is expected to improve understanding of ecosystem function, food web interactions and bycatch risks, which may help inform future management decisions. 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)

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.

Ongoing and long-term actions (three to five years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it is expected to improve understanding of ecosystem function, food web interactions and bycatch risks, which may help inform future management decisions. 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.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

Work with UK experts to consider the ecological role of pelagic and semi-pelagic species in the North Sea and West of Scotland, and how an ecosystem-based approach could be integrated into fisheries management.

Ongoing and long-term actions (three to five years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it is expected to improve understanding of ecosystem function, food web interactions and bycatch risks, which may help inform future management decisions. 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

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

Medium- to short-term actions (three to five years)

Although this action will have no immediate positive effects on the environment, it is expected to improve understanding of ecosystem function, food web interactions and bycatch risks, which may help inform future management decisions. 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

Policy 5 (Applies to North Sea Horse mackerel FMP only): Support fishing businesses to deliver socio-economic and cultural benefits for communities

Continue to take account of socio-economic considerations as part of international negotiations and as part of the process to determine fishing opportunities.

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

Continue to gather and use evidence on economic aspects of the fishery to ensure management decisions are informed by the best available evidence.

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

Policy 6 (Policy 5 for North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMP): Reduce the impact of fishing on climate change and support the fishing industry to adapt to the impacts of climate change

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

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 measures 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

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

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 goals.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

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

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

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 goals.

Relevant SEA Issues:

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

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

Continue to take an approach to TAC setting informed by the best available scientific advice and in line with an MSY approach. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to work with the EU to support the sustainable harvesting of the stock through international negotiations. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

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 determine fishing opportunities informed by the best available scientific advice

Continue to take a precautionary approach by managing the stock as a bycatch only fishery until the biomass is improved to sufficient levels.

Continue to work with the EU through international negotiations with the aim of improving the evidence base to support action to improve the biomass of the stock.

This group of actions sets out a path to improve the overall management approach by considering how the evidence base can be strengthened, with any subsequent action focussed on and then maintaining the stock at sustainable levels.

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 that supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to undertake scientific surveys, participate in international stock assessments and contribute to the international advice process. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to work collaboratively with the Scottish pelagic industry in the Scottish Pelagic Industry-Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDCP), allowing data to be gathered on a haul by haul basis, ensuring that representative high-quality catch data are gathered and submitted to ICES. (Applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Continue to work collaboratively with the UK Demersal industry in allowing observers and samplers to gather data both at sea and on land, ensuring high quality representative data are gathered and submitted to ICES. (Applies to North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP only)

Continue to use the best available data to underpin management decisions implementing the precautionary approach when robust data is not yet available. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

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

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 that supports the setting of fishing opportunities at sustainable levels.

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

Following ICES advice on the adequacy of existing acoustic surveys and advice on effective monitoring of the stock, work with the EU to agree next steps which may include carrying out additional acoustic surveys from 2027 onwards, as required for the stock assessment.

Use the outputs from the work plan set by ICES with regards to genetic sampling and use this information to support management decisions to rebuild the southern North Sea and eastern Channel biomass.

Work with the EU and ICES to support the assessment of potential mixing between this stock and the Western waters stock and to which level and consider what measures might be applied to protect the southern North Sea and eastern Channel biomass in 7.e ahead of international negotiations for 2028, subject to further scientific evidence.

This group of actions sets out a path to improve the overall management approach by considering how the evidence base can be strengthened, with any subsequent action focussed on and then maintaining the stock at sustainable levels.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Continue to monitor pelagic fishing activity using REM and other tools and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed. (Applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Monitor levels of fish bycatch within [pelagic] fisheries and take appropriate management action as required. (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

Continue to monitor demersal fishing activity using at sea observers, on land market sampling, REM (where available) and other tools, and take appropriate action to tackle non-compliance as needed. (Applies to North Sea Greater Silver Smelt FMP only)

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 measures.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Alternative options can be considered as detailed measures are drafted.

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 three Pelagic FMPs)

Where possible, improve evidence base on the ecosystem role and function of [relevant stock] to support an improved understanding of the most appropriate ecosystem-based management approach for these stocks (Applies to all three Pelagic FMPs)

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 three Pelagic FMPs)

Work with UK experts to consider the ecological role of pelagic and semi-pelagic species in the North Sea and West of Scotland, and how an ecosystem-based approach could be integrated into fisheries management (Applies to the North Sea Greater Silver Smelt, and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

Work with ICES to consider further developing ecosystem-informed assessments and ecosystem modelling approaches in the future. (Applies to the North Sea Greater Silver Smelt, and West of Scotland Greater Silver Smelt FMPs only)

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 measures.

No reasonable alternatives have been identified at this stage.

Continue to take account of socio-economic considerations as part of international negotiations and as part of the process to determine fishing opportunities.

Continue to gather and use evidence on economic aspects of the fishery to ensure management decisions are informed by the best available evidence.

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 [relevant stock] fishery (including CO2 emissions). (Applies to North Sea Horse Mackerel FMP only)

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

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

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 measures are drafted.