Fisheries management plans
Fisheries management plans (FMPs) set out the plans and policies to secure the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks.
Fisheries management plans (FMPs) are evidence-based action plans, developed in collaboration with the fishing sector and other stakeholders. Their purpose is to deliver sustainable fisheries for current and future generations.
Published FMPs
The first 5 FMPs were published in December 2023.
FMP consultations
All fisheries management plans (FMPs) will go through a public consultation, giving interested parties the opportunity to give their views.
Consultations for the first 6 FMPs opened in July 2023 and closed on 1 October 2023.
We are still analysing responses to the consultation on the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish FMP.
FMPs in development
Public consultations on these plans will be held during 2024. The final plans will be published by the end of 2024.
FMP policy
The Fisheries Act 2020 requires the UK fisheries policy authorities (Defra, and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) to publish fisheries management plans (FMPs) to help deliver our ambition for sustainable fisheries.
This paper sets out how Defra will prepare and publish its FMPs for the waters around England.
List of proposed FMPs
The Joint Fisheries Statement sets out plans for 43 fisheries management plans (FMPs).
Access the full list of proposed FMPs and their planned publication dates.
Joint Fisheries Statement
The Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS) sets out the policies for achieving the fisheries objectives in the Fisheries Act 2020.
It enables the UK fisheries policy authorities (Defra, and the devolved administrations in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales) to develop fisheries management plans (FMPs) to help deliver sustainable fisheries.
Environmental assessments and evidence
A strategic environmental assessment (SEA) evaluates the potential positive and negative environmental effects of the policies proposed in an FMP. For each FMP, an environmental report sets out the findings of the SEA.
Last updated 15 February 2024 + show all updates
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Added links to 5 FMPs in development.
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Added links to the strategic environmental assessment environmental reports for the following fisheries management plans (FMPs): - bass - Channel demersal non-quota species - crab and lobster - king scallop - whelk
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Added links to the first 5 fisheries management plans (FMPs), which have now been published: - Bass FMP - Channel demersal non-quota species FMP - Crab and lobster FMP - King scallop FMP - Whelk FMP
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First published.