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Demersal non-quotaÌýspecies (NQS)Ìýin the Southern North Sea (SNS) are data limited. Most lack International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) assessments and therefore cannot be assessed against maximum sustainable yield (MSY) or an MSY proxy. A precautionary approach is being taken to management.ÌýÌý

The FMP is focussed on action toÌýfully evaluate each stock’s status and implement sustainable management ifÌýrequired.ÌýICES assessment advises some management considerations due to exploitation of juveniles for the red mullet north stock, and anecdotal concerns about the sustainability of fishing practices have been raised on the status of the stocks.

Policy goalsÌýÌý

°Õ³ó±ðÌýFMP sets outÌýa number ofÌýpolicy goalsÌýand actionsÌýgroupedÌýunderÌý3 distinct themes:  Ìý

• sustainable fisheries –ÌýtheseÌýaim to deliver effective management of demersal NQS in English waters of the Southern North Sea for stocks with MSY or MSY proxy assessmentsÌý

• evidence –ÌýtheseÌýaim to develop the NQS evidence base and help fillÌýidentifiedÌýevidence gaps. The plan includes continuing to develop stock assessment methodologies, indicators, and reference points for stock units to provide necessary protection for stocks now and in the long-termÌý

• social and economic – theseÌýaim toÌýimproveÌýunderstanding of whoÌýbenefitsÌýfrom these fisheries and how,ÌýensuringÌýthat management decisions protect and enhance these benefits over timeÌý

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A number ofÌýmanagement measuresÌýhave beenÌýproposed in the FMP.Ìý

1:Ìýconsider restriction of futureÌýflyseiningÌýeffortÌý

Within 2 years, we will consider:Ìý

• introducing an engine restrictionÌýofÌý221 kilowattsÌýin ICES areas 4b and 4cÌýforÌýflyseinersÌýin theÌýUK 0-12Ìýnautical mile zoneÌýÌý

• introducing a measure for allÌýflyseinersÌýto use a minimum 100mmÌýmeshÌýas standardÌý

• if a gross tonnage limitation in ICES areas 4b and 4c forÌýflyseinersÌýisÌýviableÌýand beneficialÌý

Over more thanÌý2 years, we will:Ìý

• subject to the progress of the REM programme,Ìýpropose introducing early adopter scheme that could become mandatory in the futureÌý

• consider introducing a permitting scheme forÌýflyseinersÌý

• consider restrictions on time spent in areaÌý

• consider seasonal closure forÌýflyseinersÌý

• consider an overall engine size limitation forÌýflyseinersÌý

• further consider potential rope length and diameter restrictions forÌýflyseinersÌý

2:Ìýgrowing cephalopod fisheriesÌý

Within 2 years, we will:Ìý

• monitor catches,Ìýconsider creating research plansÌýand gatherÌýevidence for growing fisheries in the Southern North Sea,Ìýsuch as cuttlefish,ÌýoctopusÌýand squidÌý

• consider extending the Channel demersal NQS FMP cuttlefish plan into the Southern North Sea,Ìýto support evidence gathering and ensure sustainable exploitation of cuttlefish stocksÌý

• align whereÌýappropriate withÌýexisting measures in the Channel plan, including voluntary codes of conduct for trap handling, seasonalÌýconsiderationsÌýand monitoring protocolsÌý

• consider collaborative research with stakeholders to assess the feasibility and benefits of applying Channel cuttlefish management approaches in the SNSÌý

Over more than 2 years, we will:Ìý

• subject to evidence gathered,Ìýconsider formal adoption of cuttlefish-specific management measures in the SNS, including potential seasonal closures, gear restrictions or catch recording requirementsÌý

• explore integration of SNS cuttlefish data into wider ICES assessments to strengthen the evidence base for cephalopod managementÌý

3:Ìýminimum conservation reference sizesÌý(MCRS)Ìý

Over more than 2 years, we will consider the introduction of:Ìý

• anÌýMCRS forÌýflyseineÌýspecies such as red mullet and gurnardsÌý

• anÌýMCRS forÌýsmoothhoundÌý

• a maximum conservation reference size for lesser-spotted dogfishÌý

4:Ìýeducation, adoption of voluntary guidelines and development of codes of conductÌýÌý

Within 2 years, we will:Ìý

• support the recreational sector to consider introducing voluntary guidelines and education on how recreationalÌýfishermenÌýcan fish more sustainablyÌý

• support the commercial sector by developing identification guides for mis-identified species such asÌýsmoothhound, squid,ÌýcuttlefishÌýand gurnardsÌý

Over more than 2 years, we will:Ìý

• monitorÌýevidence uptake and efficacy of voluntary measuresÌý

• explore howÌýadditionalÌýevidence gathering on removals from the stock could be integrated into future stock assessments