Joint NGO submission for the UK consultation on Nephrops directed fisheries in the Celtic Sea

This joint submission to the UK’s consultation on new management proposed for Nephrops (Norway lobster) directed fisheries in the Celtic Sea was co-signed by Marine Conservation Society, ClientEarth and WWF. We support the use of only the most selective gear types within this fishery, but highlight that gear selectivity alone may not be enough to support the recovery of already depleted stocks within or affected by this fishery. Other tools such as closed areas and move-on rules should also be used, and the adoption of REM with cameras to evidence the outcome of all measures should be considered. We oppose the increase of the catch composition threshold to define the “directed” fishery from the current 5%, in order to ensure that the ambitious selectivity measures apply to as many vessels as possible. We also highlight the important role that Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) will play for sustainable fisheries, as well as the need to address the current lack of compliance with the landing obligation.