Defra Calls for Evidence: Latent Capacity in the Over 10m Scallop and Shellfish Sector Fleet & Restrictions in the Under 15m Scallop Fleet

Defra is launching two calls for evidence from 12 July 2021 to 31 August 2021 to capture views from the fishing sector, wider fishing community and other relevant stakeholders on:

  • latent capacity in the over 10m scallop and shellfish sector fleets; and
  • impacts of greater restrictions for the under 15m scallop fleet in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Defra is working closely with the Scallop Industry Consultation Group and the Shellfish Industry Advisory Group and its species-specific sub-groups, to develop future management proposals in the scallop and shellfish sectors, as part of a wider programme of work of Government/industry collaboration. These industry groups have identified scallop and shellfish latent capacity in the over 10m fleet and the current fishing arrangements for the under 15m scallop fleet as policy areas that require further consideration. A better understanding of the evidence will help inform management approaches.

Your responses to the questions asked in the two calls for evidence will help us gather information around the risks these two policy areas present to the sustainability of the stocks (king scallops, crabs, lobsters and crawfish); identify challenges the sectors are facing; and collect the evidence we need to help us consider future management measures in the scallop and shellfish sector fleets.

Please send Defra your responses to the questions asked in the two calls for evidence and any additional, relevant evidence you would like Defra to consider.

Responses should be sent by 31 August 2021 using the online portal at:

https://tinyurl.com/eu5pdc74

The Call for Evidence documents may be found on GOV.UK

If you require a copy of the call for evidence documents, please contact Defra at [email protected]

Responses or additional information or documents can be sent to:

Latent Capacity / Under 15m
Consultation Coordinator
2nd floor
Foss House
Kings Pool
1-2 Peasholme Green
York
YO1 7PX