15 Apr 2025
Mackerel sustainability rating downgraded in Good Fish Guide Image description: A close up shot of a school of mackerel. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) recently updated their Good Fish Guide in line with the latest scientific advice, resulting in a downgraded sustainability rating for mackerel. Mackerel caught by midwater trawl in the Northeast […]
15 Apr 2025
Image description: Fishing boats docked in a harbour in Scarborough A new study has issued a stark warning that the UK is at serious risk of losing the wide-reaching benefits of its sustainable fisheries unless urgent action is taken. The paper, Recognising and Protecting the National Benefit of Sustainable Fisheries in the UK, highlights […]
08 Apr 2025
Image description: A fishing boat at sea during sunrise. EU push to link fisheries with broader political deal The transitional agreement on fisheries is due to expire in mid-2026, triggering concern that the EU may attempt to leverage access to shared waters in exchange for concessions elsewhere. The UK government has so far rejected […]
25 Mar 2025
Image Description: Bluefin tuna on a black stone floor. Image by WikiImages from Pixabay Starting in 2024, an English Catch and Release Recreational Fishery (CRRF) for Blue Fin Tuna (BFT) was opened. Now, fishers with commercial licences who want to apply for an authorisation to fish commercially for bluefin tuna in English waters in 2025 can start […]
25 Mar 2025
Two major new studies, both released today, have together demonstrated significant impacts of bottom trawling and demonstrate the feasibility of a transition away from trawling. Image description: Two trawling boats side by side at sea. Image by günter from Pixabay Trawling costs up to €11bn a year: Firstly, the study by National Geographic […]
11 Mar 2025
Research led by Plymouth Marine Laboratory highlights the urgent need for standardised compensation and improved collaboration between energy companies and fishermen. The study found that the majority of UK fishermen feel their livelihoods are being threatened by the rapid expansion of offshore wind farms (OWFs), with impacts felt across all vessel sizes and fleet sectors. […]
25 Feb 2025
A group of twenty scientists have written to the Secretary of State, Steve Reed MP, to urge the UK government to ban the use of bottom-towed fishing gear within marine protected areas (MPAs) on a whole-site basis. The academics say in their letter that ‘while the UK has designated more than 30% of […]
18 Feb 2025
The Prime Minister must avoid gambling with the future of Scottish fishing businesses by using the industry as a bargaining chip in negotiations to improve relations with the EU. That’s the message delivered to Sir Keir Starmer in a letter from the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation prior to talks on future trading arrangements between UK and […]
Prev