Policy paper

Fisheries management plan for North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish

Published 10 October 2024

Executive summary                                             

The Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish fisheries management plan (FMP) is one of 43 FMPs proposed around the UK, as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). The plan has been developed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), in collaboration with scientists, regulators, statutory nature conservation bodies (SNCBs) and other stakeholders. Its goal is to deliver long-term sustainable management of flatfish fisheries in English waters of International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) divisions 4b, 4c and 7d, in line with the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020 (‘the Act’) and as required by the JFS.

What is an FMP? 

An FMP is an evidence-based action plan that supports delivery of sustainable fisheries for current and future generations. The FMP is a long-term plan that must be reviewed and, if necessary, revised at least once every 6 years. It sets out both a longer-term vision and goals for the fishery (or fisheries), together with the policies and management interventions necessary to achieve these goals in the shorter term. 

To remain effective, plans will be regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they respond to new evidence and practical experience. 

Why an FMP for flatfish?

Flatfish fisheries in the English waters of the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel contribute socially and economically to coastal communities. This FMP covers the following flatfish species:

• brill
• common sole
• dab
• flounder
• halibut
• lemon sole
• plaice
• turbot
• witch

There is sufficient evidence available for ICES to provide maximum sustainable yield (MSY)-based advice for plaice, common sole, brill, turbot, lemon sole, witch, dab and flounder. However, ICES does not currently assess or provide advice for Atlantic halibut, which is a non-quota species (a species for which a quota is not currently set).

Therefore, this FMP sets out the current management for each of the stocks alongside the evidence available to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. It also describes the steps proposed to obtain the necessary scientific evidence for Atlantic halibut, to enable a future MSY-based assessment of the stock.

Stakeholder engagement

This FMP has been informed by engagement at various stages during the process. A series of meetings and engagement events were held to facilitate feedback on the direction of the FMP.

During the formulation of this FMP, Defra engaged with a range of stakeholders with interests in this fishery through existing fisheries stakeholder forums. By using existing groups, Defra aimed to reduce the burden of participation on stakeholders.

Engagement opportunities took place from early 2022, culminating in a public consultation from 17 July to 1 October 2023. The FMP has been updated and amended based on feedback received as part of this consultation.

The stakeholder groups involved in the engagement process consisted of:

• commercial fishing representatives, including active fishers, fishermen associations and producer organisations
• recreational fishers and representatives from recreational associations
• regulators – the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) and Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs)
• scientists – Cefas and scientists within other government departments and arm’s length bodies (ALBs)
• government ALBs – Natural England, Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and Seafish
• environmental groups and other non-governmental organisations
• Defra policymakers
• representatives from the wider stakeholder industry, such as buyers and sellers
• government departments, ALBs and other regulatory bodies

The forums Defra used to inform the stakeholder community on the FMP progress included meetings with UK Associations of Fish Producer Organisations (UKAFPO) representatives, Finfish Industry Advisory Group (FIAG), Fisheries Management Innovation Group, FMP programme meetings with environmental non-governmental organisations (eNGOs), standing Defra negotiations meeting with industry and eNGOs, among others, as well as bespoke meetings with individuals and groups when needed.

Defra also made use of other teams within the organisations to support the development of certain aspects of the plan. This was done through the different internal teams reviewing sections of the FMP that fell into their policy area.

Defra will continue to use these established groups to update stakeholders, test ideas and seek feedback on the overall FMP process, as well as using dedicated meetings to engage when needed. We continue to send project updates through the Defra stakeholder bulletin and maintain communication with stakeholders through our dedicated email address.

There is currently no formal stakeholder working group for the FMP. As part of the FIAG, there is potential scope for an FMP sub-group. We have sought views on future governance during the public consultation for the FMP. Engagement on the implementation of the plan will continue through existing fisheries stakeholder working groups to ensure the final FMP is effective for fishing community and wider stakeholders.  

Given the devolved nature of fisheries in the UK and the number of stocks the UK shares with other coastal states, effective management is co-dependent on both UK-wide and international solutions. Fisheries management therefore cannot be delivered in isolation, and the fisheries policy authorities will work together and with our stakeholders, other coastal states and international partners. 

In addition to representation from fishers and fisheries organisations, SNCBs and eNGOs were also in attendance at initial meetings and engagement events. FIAG was also present, representing a range of interests, including commercial, recreational, research, regulators and retail. Engagement is further detailed in the supporting FMP record of stakeholder engagement. The summary of responses and government response provides further detail on the feedback received during formal consultation.

Vision

The vision for this FMP is to enhance long-term sustainable management for the flatfish species covered by this FMP in the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel, ensuring that all of the stocks can be assessed and fished at levels capable of producing MSY.

The management of these fisheries will also aim to achieve environmental sustainability, by working towards an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, which will ensure the wider effects of fishing activities on the marine environment are considered and minimised. This FMP will consider the social and economic potential of the fisheries and aim to contribute to social and economic sustainability within fishing communities.  

To deliver this, an evidence-based approach will be used for the introduction of any management measures, using the best available evidence. When there is not sufficient evidence available, the precautionary approach will be applied. The plan will also identify any evidence gaps and detail how these will be addressed.

Goals

This FMP sets out 5 goals to ensure the sustainable fishing of flatfish, and actions to assist in achieving each goal. These goals and actions were consulted upon in 2023, and subsequent amendments have been made in response to feedback. The actions will be prioritised appropriately to ensure realistic and measurable outputs. For each goal the plan sets out:

• a rationale
• short-term actions (one to two years)
• medium- to long-term actions (three to five years)

The 5 goals of this FMP are to:

1. Develop an improved evidence base for quota and non-quota flatfish stocks in the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish fishery.
2. Deliver effective management of the harvesting of flatfish stocks within the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel area.
3. Support wider environmental sustainability by understanding how the fishing activities within this FMP impact on the wider marine environment and identify options to minimise negative impacts.
4. Better understand the social and economic value of the fisheries to the coastal communities within the FMP area.
5. Explore options to mitigate against and adapt to the impact of climate change within the fishery.

Scope and purpose

This FMP sets out the policies and measures needed to manage the fishing activities of the flatfish fishery within English waters of ICES divisions 4b  (Central North Sea), 4c (Southern North Sea), and 7d (Eastern English Channel).

The Act sets out the legal framework governing fisheries (both commercial and recreational) in the UK. It places a duty on fisheries policy authorities to prepare and publish FMPs that set out policies to restore stocks and maintain them at sustainable levels. The policies and measures contained within this plan have been prepared and published by Defra in consultation with other fisheries policy authorities, in accordance with the requirement of section 6(5) of the Act.

Description of the fishery and stocks

Stocks  

This FMP covers the following flatfish species:  

• brill (Scophthalmus rhombus)
• common sole (Solea solea)
• dab (Limanda limanda)
• flounder (Platichthys flesus)
• halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus)
• lemon sole (Microstomus kitt)
• plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)
• turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)
• witch (Glyptocephalus cynoglossus)

Geographical area

The stocks covered by this FMP are found across ICES divisions 4b, 4c and 7d. This FMP only applies to fishing activity within English waters.

Figure 1. Map showing the geographical area covered by this FMP.

Figure 1 description: a map showing the British Isles and north-western France. The map displays the geographical extent of the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish FMP. The FMP applies to ICES divisions 4b, 4c and 7d in the central and southern North Sea, and eastern English Channel. The map also shows the boundary of the UK’s exclusive economic zone.

Lemon sole, turbot and brill are also covered by the Channel demersal non-quota species FMP, which covers ICES divisions 7d and 7e. Because of this overlap, it is important that there is consistency across proposed measures.

Species biology and distribution

The 9 species within this FMP are all flatfish, characterised by a flat body where both eyes lie on one side of the head.

Within the FMP area, the distribution of the 9 species varies. Halibut and witch are mainly concentrated in the northern parts of the North Sea. Dab, lemon sole, plaice, turbot and brill are all commonly found within the eastern English Channel, as well as the entire North Sea. Flounder and common sole are mainly found within the eastern English Channel and the Southern North Sea. Further detail on the biology, ecology and distribution of each species can be found within the supporting Evidence Statement.

Stock assessment units

Of the 9 species within this FMP, 8 are assessed by ICES. Of these assessments, witch, turbot, common sole (North Sea and Eastern Channel) and plaice (North Sea and Eastern Channel) are category 1 stocks, and brill is a category 2 stock, all with sufficient evidence to assess MSY. Lemon sole, flounder and dab are category 3 stocks and therefore are considered to be data limited, however MSY approaches are still provided.

Atlantic halibut is currently not assessed by ICES. This means that for 8 of the 9 species included in this FMP, the scientific evidence is sufficient to make an assessment of each stock’s MSY.

Details on the stock assessment methodology, data collection, stock status and evidence gaps are found within the supporting Evidence Statement and Evidence Plan.

Fishery overview

The data included in this following section has been supplied by the MMO and Seafish and is discussed in depth within the supporting Evidence Statement.

Flatfish are a commercially important group of species in the UK. In 2021, the total landed weight of the flatfish in scope of this FMP was 1,984 tonnes (liveweight) with a first sale value of £5.5 million. In 2021 Harlingen in the Netherlands was the port with the greatest value of landings of flatfish species in scope of this FMP, with a landed value of £999,379. The next most valuable port for flatfish landings in 2021 was Shoreham-by-Sea, with a landed value of £482,813.

Flatfish landings within the FMP area can be grouped as follows:

• Northern North Sea – witch and halibut
• North Sea and Eastern Channel – dab, lemon sole, plaice, turbot, brill
• Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel – common sole and flounder

Numbers of UK vessels landing flatfish within the FMP area have declined from 745 vessels in 2016 to 558 vessels in 2021. UK landings of halibut and witch fluctuated between 2016 and 2022, but were generally very low. Dab landings also fluctuated over this time and show a generally decreasing trend. Lemon sole, plaice, turbot, brill, common sole and flounder show a gradual decrease in landings by UK vessels.

Overall, EU vessels land considerably more than UK vessels of each species within the FMP area, with the exception of halibut and witch, which show a similar declining trend to UK vessels, and dab where EU vessel landings have been shown to fluctuate. Across both UK and EU vessels, plaice and common sole have the highest landings of the flatfish species covered by this FMP.

The stocks within the FMP are primarily caught by demersal trawls. This method accounts for the following proportions of landings within the FMP area:

• 98% of halibut
• more than 95% of witch
• 68% of lemon sole
• 64% to 83% of plaice
• 62% to 86% of dab
• 55% to 65% of turbot
• 40% to 63% of flounder

Beam trawls and drift and fixed nets are the next most used types of gear in the fishery. The majority of common sole landings are caught by drift and fixed nets, followed by otter and beam trawls. Brill is mostly landed by otter and beam trawls, followed by drift and fixed nets.

Recreational fisheries

There are important recreational fisheries for several of the flatfish species covered by this FMP, such as dab and flounder.

Not all flatfish species within scope of this FMP interact with recreational fisheries. Lemon sole and witch typically occur on offshore grounds, have a relatively small mouth, and feed primarily on small, benthic invertebrates. Consequently, both are expected to be of limited interest to anglers and have limited or no catches reported in the annual recreational fisheries monitoring programme.

Halibut is taken in recreational fisheries elsewhere in its geographic range. However, it is only occasionally found in the central and Southern North Sea and is understood to be rarely caught by recreational fisheries in the FMP area. A limited number of brill were reported during the annual recreational fisheries monitoring programme. Further detail can be found within the supporting Evidence Statement.

Marine Protected Areas 

There are several designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) within scope of this FMP. The MMO and the IFCAs introduce byelaws to restrict any fishing that might damage MPAs, working with advice from the SNCBs: Natural England and JNCC. Read more about current management measures on the MMO and Association of IFCA websites.

While the management of fisheries activity occurring within MPAs is addressed through separate work undertaken by the MMO and the IFCAs (Managing fishing in marine protected areas), there remains the potential for fishing activity occurring outside of an MPA to have impacts on the features protected within an MPA. This can happen when either the pressures exerted by fishing activity can impact protected features beyond its spatial footprint, or when the feature of an MPA is mobile and travels outside the site.

The SNCBs have screened risks posed by fisheries occurring outside MPAs. These are presented in detail within the ‘Environmental considerations’ section in this FMP and the supporting Evidence Statement.

Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) are areas of the sea (including the shoreline) that allow high levels of protection and full recovery of marine ecosystems. HPMAs will allow nature to fully recover to a more natural state by prohibiting extractive, destructive and depositional activities, such as dredging, fishing and anchoring, to allow the ecosystem to thrive.

North East of Farnes Deep and Dolphin Head are 2 HPMAs, designated in June and July 2023, which are within the FMP area.

Fisheries management

Aims of fisheries management

The overarching aim of UK fisheries management is to ensure stocks remain healthy, preserving the long-term sustainable use of fisheries resources, while minimising any potential negative environmental, social or economic impacts.

In English waters, fisheries management is informed by the Defra 25 Year Environment Plan and the Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 (EIP) and must comply with relevant legislation, such as the Fisheries Act 2020, The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MaCCA), and the UK Marine Strategy 2010 (UKMS).  

Driven by the government’s aim for clean, healthy, safe, productive, and biologically diverse oceans, the objectives of fisheries management, as reflected and supported by this FMP, are to ensure marine businesses are supporting sustainable growth in the economy and contribute to achieving the objective of protecting the marine environment for current and future generations.  

Current management measures

There are a variety of management approaches already in place for the flatfish species in this FMP. Six of the species – brill, common sole, lemon sole, witch, turbot and plaice – are managed by total allowable catches (TACs) which determine fishing opportunities.

The TACs for the quota species within this FMP are:

• turbot and brill in the North Sea (T/B/2AC4-C) – UK and EU waters of subarea 4 and UK waters of division 2a
• brill in the English Channel (BLL/7DE) – divisions 7d and 7e
• lemon sole and witch in the North Sea (L/W/2AC4-C) – UK and EU waters of subarea 4 and UK waters of division 2a
• lemon sole in the Eastern Channel (LEM/07D) – division 7d
• witch in the Eastern Channel (WIT/07D) – division 7d
• sole in the North Sea (SOL/24-C.) – UK and EU waters of subarea 4 and UK waters of division 2a
• sole in the Eastern Channel (SOL/07D.) – division 7d
• plaice in the North Sea (PLE/2A3AX4) – UK and EU waters of subarea 4; UK waters of division 2a; that part of division 3a not covered by the Skagerrak and the Kattegat
• plaice in the English Channel (PLE/7DE.) – divisions 7d and 7e

The remaining 3 species within this FMP – dab, flounder and halibut – are not managed using a TAC and are therefore managed as non-quota species (NQS). The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) sets out access provisions to fish NQS in each other’s waters ‘at a level that at least equates to the average tonnage fished by that Party in the waters of the other Party during the period 2012-2016’ (Annex 38 of the TCA).

Additionally, there are 2 multiannual plans (MAPs) in place covering common sole and plaice in the FMP area. The MAPs contain measures to restore and maintain fish stocks above levels capable of producing MSY, including measures relating to the determination of fishing opportunities and also relating to engagement with third countries with a view to ensuring the relevant stocks are managed in a sustainable manner, in line with the MAP objectives.

The Channel demersal NQS FMP overlaps with this FMP and puts in place plans for the management of lemon sole, turbot and brill in divisions 7d and 7e.

Harvest Strategy

Where MSY indicators are provided by ICES with an advised total catch, the UK Government should aim to set a TAC for quota species in line with the ICES MSY advice or a suitable proxy.

Six of the stocks within this FMP – lemon sole, common sole, plaice, brill, witch and turbot – are shared with other coastal states. As a result, their management, and TACs, are subject to international fisheries negotiations. International fisheries negotiations are one of the key mechanisms for achieving our goals relating to setting sustainable TACs. Noting the importance of these negotiations, the UK Government should work closely with neighbouring coastal states to find agreements which lead to the sustainable exploitation and management of fisheries. Fishing opportunities are set under Section 23 of the Act for the purpose of complying with the UK’s international obligations to determine the UK’s fishing opportunities, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

In line with the Act, sustainable fishing means taking into consideration environmental, social and economic factors, and ensuring these are appropriately balanced along with the ICES advice when setting TAC levels.

In line with the Act, the measures set out in this FMP are based on principles laid out in section 4.2.1 (‘Fishing Opportunities’) of the JFS. One of these principles is that the UK Government will seek to increase the overall number of stocks fished at MSY, consistent with the best available scientific advice and considering best available evidence on the effects of fishing activity. Other principles include references to the UK’s wider international obligations for the conservation and sustainable use of the marine environment, and the need to apply an ecosystem-based approach.

Further considerations should be made on a stock-by-stock basis to consider opportunities to minimise the negative impacts of fishing on non-target species. Mixed fisheries advice provided by ICES should also be considered on a stock-by-stock basis.

The UK Government has additional management obligations in the respective Western Waters and North Sea MAPs for common sole and plaice when determining fishing opportunities. The objectives of these MAPs include reaching and maintaining MSY for the target stocks. This FMP acknowledges these objectives and continues to deliver management that is consistent with these obligations.

Further information regarding specific management on each of the species of this FMP is detailed below.

Plaice

Within this FMP area, plaice is managed trilaterally with the EU and Norway in the North Sea, and bilaterally with the EU in the Eastern Channel. Plaice in area 4 is managed alongside the EU through the MAP for demersal stocks in the North Sea. In division 7d plaice is managed alongside the EU through the MAP for stocks in Western Waters and adjacent waters. The MAPs require the UK to reach and maintain MSY for plaice and continue to implement the landing obligation, along with other commitments.

ICES provides annual advice (category 1) for the 2 plaice stocks within the FMP area, with sufficient evidence to support an assessment of MSY. Management decisions should continue to be based on the available scientific advice and the dynamics of the fishery the stock is caught within. Plaice is currently being fished sustainably within MSY limits.

The UK Government considers that the current TAC management and technical measures in effect for these stocks are working effectively. This is reflected in the health status of the stocks.

Common sole

Within this FMP area, common sole is managed bilaterally with the EU through annual negotiations. Common sole in area 4 is managed alongside the EU through the MAP for demersal stocks in the North Sea. Common sole in division 7d is managed alongside the EU through the MAP for stocks in Western Waters and adjacent waters. The MAPs require the UK to reach and maintain MSY for common sole and continue to implement the landing obligation, along with other commitments.

ICES provides annual advice (category 1) for the 2 common sole stocks within the FMP area, with sufficient evidence to support an assessment of MSY. Management decisions should continue to be based on the available scientific advice and the dynamics of the fishery the stock is caught within. Common sole is currently being fished sustainably within MSY limits.

The UK Government considers the current management and measures in place for common sole to be working effectively.

In the draft FMP that was consulted on in 2023, we acknowledged that survey work for common sole in division 7d had been disrupted due to Covid-19, and that stakeholders had called for a survey to be re-opened. The inshore survey has been re-started for the Thames area (4c) to provide more data on sole recruitment.

Turbot

Prior to 2024, turbot was managed through a combined species TAC with brill in subarea 4 in the EU annual bilateral negotiations. For 2024, to support the sustainable management of the stock, the UK and EU agreed a special condition to split the joint TAC, specifying a maximum tonnage of turbot which may be fished within the relevant ICES areas. Further details on the amendments to the management of this stock can be seen in the ‘TAC management’ section below.

ICES advice (category 1) is given annually for turbot and covers one stock within subarea 4. The advice includes an assessment of MSY.

Brill

Prior to 2024, brill was managed through a combined species TAC with turbot in subarea 4 in the EU annual bilateral negotiations. For 2024, to support the sustainable management of the stock, the UK and EU agreed a special condition to split the joint TAC, specifying a maximum tonnage of brill which may be fished within the relevant ICES areas. This change includes extending the ICES areas in which brill is managed through a TAC, so brill caught in division 7d (and 7e) is now subject to quota limits. Further details on the amendments to the management of this stock can be seen in the ‘TAC management’ section below.

ICES advice (category 2) is given annually for brill and covers one stock within the FMP area. The advice includes an assessment of MSY.

Lemon sole

Prior to 2024, lemon sole was managed though a combined species TAC with witch in subarea 4 in the EU annual bilateral negotiations. For 2024, the UK and EU agreed a special condition to split the joint TAC, specifying a maximum tonnage of lemon sole which may be fished within the relevant ICES areas. This change includes extending the ICES areas in which lemon sole is managed through a TAC, so lemon sole caught in division 7d is now subject to quota limits. Further details on the amendments to the management of this stock can be seen in the ‘TAC management’ section below.

ICES advice (category 3) is given annually for lemon sole and covers one stock within the FMP area. The advice includes an assessment of MSY.

Witch

Prior to 2024, witch was managed through a combined species TAC with lemon sole in subarea 4 in the EU annual bilateral negotiations. For 2024, the UK and EU agreed a special condition to split the joint TAC, specifying a maximum tonnage of witch which may be fished within the relevant ICES areas. This change includes extending the ICES areas in which witch is managed through a TAC, so witch caught in division 7d is now subject to quota limits.

ICES advice (category 1) is provided annually for witch within the FMP area. The advice includes an assessment of MSY.

Dab

Dab was previously managed through a TAC until 2017. It is now managed as an NQS. ICES advises that the risk of having no catch limits for dab is currently considered to be low. This advice remains valid while dab is still largely a bycatch species of plaice and common sole fisheries, and within the FMSY (fishing mortality at levels consistent with maximum sustainable yield) ranges. Dab is currently within safe biological limits. However, if this situation changes the advice will be amended by ICES and this FMP will be updated as required.

However, the recorded discard rate for dab is currently high (89%) and it is important to better understand this, as the survival rates of discards are currently unknown. As dab is a non-quota stock, the landing obligation does not apply, and there are also exemptions in place for other flatfish species.

Flounder

Flounder was previously managed through a TAC but was removed from the TAC management system in 2017. ICES advises that the risk of having no catch limits for flounder is currently considered to be low. This advice remains valid while flounder is still largely a bycatch species of plaice and common sole fisheries and remains fished under the FMSY proxy. Flounder is still currently within safe biological limits. However, if this situation changes the advice will be amended by ICES and this FMP will be updated as required.

ICES advice (category 3) is provided annually for one stock of flounder within subarea 4, although it is unclear whether the assessed unit contains multiple biological stocks. The advice is based on an MSY approach.

Halibut

Halibut is a NQS and therefore is not managed using a TAC. Additionally, ICES does not currently assess and advise on halibut in the FMP area, therefore the MSY for halibut is unknown.

Halibut caught within the FMP area are at the edge of the distribution range of the stock. Therefore, bycatches of halibut are infrequent in the Southern North Sea, however due to the size and value of halibut, it can be a significant bycatch stock for fleets.

TAC management

Annex 35 of the TCA (pursuant to Article 504: Alignment of management areas) identifies 2 TACs which, prior to 2024, covered lemon sole and witch (North Sea) and turbot and brill, as requiring advice from ICES to enable the alignment of management areas and the assessment units used by ICES. The UK Government reaffirmed this commitment in the Written Records for the EU-UK annual agreements for 2022, 2023 and 2024.

Combined species TACs are not optimal for sustainable management of either species as they allow limits to be set above the recommended MSY advice provided by ICES for a component species. This means that additional fishing effort can be diverted into targeting one species and can lead to unsustainable exploitation. In December 2022, ICES confirmed that management of these stocks should take place using a single-species TAC covering the stock distribution area.

Through the Specialised Committee for Fisheries, together with the EU, we have put in place special conditions to effectively restructure the TACs so they are reflective of the biological distribution of the stocks. This was reflected in the 2024 Written Record and Secretary of State Determination (SoSD). We consider the special conditions in the Written Record and SoSD a satisfactory measure towards achieving our sustainability aims for these stocks and will continue to pursue our ambition for recognition of these stocks individually in a future UK-EU agreement.

Proposed technical measures

This FMP recommends specific actions to consider the development and implementation of technical measures to support the long-term sustainability of flatfish fisheries. In particular, the FMP recommends the introduction of minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) for lemon sole, turbot and brill to promote stock health and ensure sustainable management. To ensure that new MCRS measures achieve their intended effect, the consideration of further technical measures is recommended following further research, such as an increase in mesh sizes to 100mm for all bottom towed gear.

Future iterations of this FMP will assess the gathered evidence and consider if further measures are appropriate. The FMP will continue to consider the TCA and international negotiations and the impact these may have on managing the fishery and the measures being explored.

Summary of recommendations for introducing minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS)

Introduction of MCRS measures in division 7d are intended to protect juvenile fish from being landed and improve recruitment through prohibition of landings, thereby making it undesirable to target this smaller size class of individuals. However, without changing mesh sizes to accommodate for the introduction of a MCRS, juveniles may still be caught and discarded, raising concerns about the survivability of discards and the sustainability of fishing practices. As such, to improve sustainability of lemon sole, turbot and brill, the introduction of an MCRS is being considered alongside other measures suggested in this FMP, such as an increase in mesh size to 100mm for all towed gears. Applied in combination, these MCRS measures and mesh size increases are intended to prevent juvenile fish from being caught and landed.

Introducing an MCRS for lemon sole, turbot and brill is deemed a simple measure to implement and could promote stock health. This is a precautionary measure as there is insufficient evidence on the discard survivability of these species. There is insufficient evidence to consider the interactions with the landing obligation where the proposed MCRS overlaps with stocks managed by quota limits. For stocks subject to the quota management regime, individuals below the MCRS that are caught must be landed but are not permitted to be sold for human consumption. There are clear evidence gaps to be filled in the short term. Compatibility with gear mesh size is required for successful implementation and will also be explored further.

Short-term measures

• MCRS for lemon sole – 25cm
• MCRS for turbot – 30cm
• MCRS for brill – 30cm

Through the FMP, the aim is to explore the introduction of MCRSs for these species based on maturation size to protect juvenile fish. Evidence will need to be gathered to understand the impact on the stock and the fishery, therefore, while this work is ongoing, the FMP recommends aligning with the proposed management measures set out in the Channel demersal NQS FMP. The Channel demersal NQS FMP sets out proposals aligning with the MCRSs that the Cornwall and Southern IFCAs have in place. The MCRSs recommended for implementation in the short-term are listed above.

Medium- to long-term measures

• MCRS for lemon sole – 25cm
• MCRS for turbot – 40cm
• MCRS for brill – 35cm

Amendments to the short-term MCRSs listed above may be required. The above medium- to long-term MCRSs have been derived from 2022 data on the size at which 50% of the population of each species are thought to be at maturity. Recognising that males for species of turbot and brill mature earlier than females, the measure has been recommended for the size of maturity for females. Fishing below this can create a selection bias, potentially removing spawning females from the population and negatively impacting the stock. Further work to explore the impacts of an increased MCRS on the stocks and fishery is required.

Current UK technical measures

Statutory guidance on the technical conservation and landing obligation (discard ban) regulations, including how the rules apply, exemptions, selling undersize fish, reporting requirements and quota management are available on GOV.UK: Technical Conservation and Landing Obligation rules and regulations from 2022 onwards.

Technical regulations which impact flatfish fisheries are listed in the table below.

Table 1. Technical  regulations for flatfish from Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 (Landing Obligation)

Target fishery	Gear type	Area	Restrictions
Flatfish	Fixed nets	4b and 4c	Minimum mesh size of 90mm (additional rules apply)
Plaice, sole and NQS	Demersal trawls	4b	Minimum mesh sizes of 100mm for cod-end and 90mm for square mesh panel (additional rules apply)
Sole (minimum 40% sole)	Demersal trawls	4c	Minimum mesh size of 80mm for cod-end and square mesh panel (additional rules apply)
Sole and NQS	Demersal trawls	7d	Minimum mesh size of 80mm for cod-end and square mesh panel (additional rules apply)
Flatfish or any NQS	Drift net	4b and 4c	Minimum mesh size of 90mm (additional rules apply)
Flatfish	Beam trawl	4b and 4c	Minimum mesh size of 80mm cod-end and a headline panel with at least 180mm mesh

For all restrictions where additional rules apply, read the fishing gear requirements and landing obligation exemptions for more detail.

Table 2. Technical regulations for flatfish from Regulation (EU) 2019/1241

Target fishery	Gear type	Area	Restrictions
Common sole	All	All	MCRS of 24cm
Plaice	All	All	MCRS of 27cm

Current monitoring and enforcement

Control and enforcement are the responsibility of the MMO in England.

This FMP has not identified any need for changes to these processes for flatfish fisheries as they currently operate, however changes to monitoring and enforcement may be required in the future. 

Regional inshore fisheries management

In addition to the MMO’s management and monitoring responsibilities, fisheries within the 6 nautical mile limit of the English coast are managed by regional IFCAs. IFCAs have a duty to sustainably manage the inshore marine environment and have general duties in relation to conservation and biodiversity.

The current byelaws put in place by IFCAs which may manage, or contribute to the management of, flatfish fisheries and their environment within the FMP area are available on the IFCA websites:

• Eastern IFCA
• Kent and Essex IFCA
• North Eastern IFCA
• Northumberland IFCA
• Southern IFCA
• Sussex IFCA

Environmental considerations

FMPs are subject to legal and environmental obligations arising from legislation, such as Habitats Regulations, MaCCA, UKMS, and the Environmental Principles policy statement for the Environment Act 2021.

Defra commissioned the SNCBs to provide advice on the following considerations:

• potential risks posed by flatfish fisheries to the designated features of MPAs
• potential risks posed by flatfish fisheries to UKMS descriptors
• the extent to which these risks might affect our ability to contribute to the UK achieving good environmental status (GES)

The evidence and advice that has been provided by SNCBs underpins the suggested measures put forward in the sections below. Further detail on all risks and their mitigations is available in the Evidence Statement.

Marine Protected Area impacts

There remains the potential for fishing activity occurring outside of an MPA to have impacts on the designated features protected within an MPA, or on mobile designated features travelling outside of the MPA.

There are 2 key areas of risk:

1. Bycatch of mobile species that are designated features of MPAs. For bottom-towed gears, this was classified as moderate risk (bycatch is either documented or suspected but may be highly localised due to limited overlap between species and the gear used in the fisheries). It was noted that use of static nets may also risk bycatch of birds, fish and mammals, although their use in the fisheries may be limited, and further data are required to better understand these interactions.
2. The potential bycatch of important prey species that designated species depend on. This was classified as low risk: a theoretical pathway exists for bycatch, but this may not be occurring at a scale which is of concern.

Mitigations

Reducing bycatch is complex and requires solutions that are tailored to the different fisheries. To assist in understanding and mitigating the bycatch risks highlighted in the SNCB advice, the FMP will consider the following approaches.

Further data would help establish the locations and scale of bycatch. Developing existing programmes such as the UK bycatch monitoring programme will contribute to resolving the issue. Additional data gathering through remote electronic monitoring (REM), self-reporting, and encouraging participation in existing observer programmes, will increase our understanding and thereby allow better decision-making regarding what mitigations may be required, and where.

Improving reporting pathways (for both fishers and fisheries managers) and bycatch monitoring programmes will help improve our understanding and ability to determine whether any mitigatory action is necessary.

There is also ongoing work focusing on understanding and mitigating the impact of bycatch on the wider marine population being progressed through Defra’s marine wildlife bycatch mitigation initiative (BMI) and the Clean Catch UK programme. Further development of these programmes to ensure coverage of risks identified through this FMP are the most suitable route to mitigation.

Ongoing environmental data collection

There are a range of ongoing monitoring and evidence programmes currently gathering data to inform on the risks of fishing activity to both MPAs and the GES descriptors relevant to this FMP. The following monitoring programmes can feed into the goals set out in this FMP:

• the Bycatch Monitoring Programme
• Clean Catch UK
• protected site monitoring
• monitoring undertaken through the English Seabird Conservation and Recovery Plan
• JNCC work on extent of physical damage (D1 and D6 seafloor integrity) for OSPAR and UKMS

There is a lack of data on the direct impacts that flatfish fisheries in the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel are having on the wider environment. Further evidence is required to understand the impacts on designated features of protected sites and the achievement of GES on the wider marine environment. In this iteration of the FMP, no mitigations on an FMP level are being explored. The FMP seeks to incorporate data from national mitigation plans to inform any potential mitigations in future iterations.

Climate change

Changing climatic conditions have the potential to affect the fishing industry and the wider environment. For example, modification of temperature and salinity are expected to result in changes to distributions of marine organisms, including commercial fish species.

In an analysis of 50 abundant species in the waters around the UK and Ireland, 72% of the fish species were shown to have responded to warming in the region, by changing distribution and abundance. Specifically, warm-water species have increased in abundance while cold-water species have decreased, with these trends expected to continue in the future.

Analysis of future distributional shifts for the FMP species (flounder was not included in this analysis) found that waters around the UK are predicted to become more suitable in the future for common sole, brill, turbot and witch, but less suitable for dab, plaice, halibut, and lemon sole. For all FMP species, apart from halibut (with a predicted southward shift), there was a predicted northward shift in habitat suitability by 2060. Plaice and dab were some of the species with the greatest projected northward shift. 

The delivery of mitigation strategies for climate change is not within scope of this first iteration of this FMP. The FMP does, however, contain a goal to explore options for adapting fishery management to challenges presented by the changing climatic conditions. This FMP should be reviewed and adapted as research into climate change develops and new methods to address challenges from climate change become available.

Climate change mitigation – reaching net zero 

The stocks within the FMP are primarily caught by demersal trawls (detailed in the ‘Fishery overview’ section), as well as drift nets, fixed nets and beam trawls.

Recent analysis by Cefas has shown that the fleet segment using demersal trawls and seines, which comprises 402 vessels, produced approximately 30% of the UK fishing fleet’s total annual carbon emissions at sea – 249 kilotonnes (kt) carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Drift and fixed net fisheries (237 vessels) produced approximately less than 2% (13kt CO2e), and beam trawls (73 vessels) produced approximately 13% (107kt CO2e). While passive gears are generally less emission-intensive than mobile gears, quantification of carbon emissions across the fishing fleet supply chain (for example, preharvest through to postharvest) is required to truly understand the fisheries’ carbon footprint.

Where new evidence around climate change impacts requires adaptation of the fishery, this will be integrated into the FMP. In the meantime, there are existing government schemes which are open to support the fishing sector in the transition to net zero and support businesses to adapt. Defra is currently in the process of investigating existing carbon mitigating solutions and is collaborating across government and with stakeholders to support the development of pathways to net zero.

Climate change mitigation – blue carbon

Healthy coastal and marine environments can provide nature-based solutions to help tackle climate change. For example, certain marine habitats that are home to these flatfish species, such as seagrasses and saltmarshes, can store carbon and therefore these are known as blue carbon habitats. If left undisturbed, these habitats can contribute to reductions in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Habitat disturbance through fishing practices may affect seabed carbon dynamics.

Evidence is beginning to suggest that overfishing reduces the carbon storage potential of the ocean, not only through removal of biomass, but by reducing the mean size of individuals in the population, the quantity of faecal pellets excreted and the number of large carcasses sinking to the seabed. Evidence is emerging that indicates that fisheries management could play a positive role in the marine carbon cycle through preserving the largest fish within populations, maintaining sustainable stocks beyond MSY limits and adopting ecosystem-based fisheries management.

Defra continues to develop an evidence base on blue carbon habitats in the UK. Further evidence is required to understand the trade-offs and wider consequences of decisions. The Blue Carbon Evidence Partnership is working to increase the blue carbon evidence base, and as further research develops in this area, it will be considered for future iterations of the FMP.

FMP goals

This FMP sets out 5 goals across 4 themes to achieve the vision for the FMP and link to the Act’s objectives. These themes are evidence, sustainable fisheries (fisheries management and wider environment), social and economic factors, and climate change.

For each goal, the FMP provides a summary of the actions that are needed to achieve the goal.

Goal 1. Develop an improved evidence base for quota and non-quota stocks in the FMP

Rationale

Robust data allows for evidence-based decisions to be made in fisheries management. This is central to achieving the sustainability and scientific objectives outlined in the Act.

While ICES currently provides assessments that are considered to be sufficient to advise on MSY approaches for all of the stocks with the exception of halibut, several of the stocks are considered to be data limited. Additionally, concerns regarding discard rates of dab have been identified, and further evidence is required to properly assess this. Regarding halibut, actions proposed below set out the steps necessary to collate existing information to support a future stock assessment using an MSY approach.

Short-term actions 

1. Establish what evidence is currently available in the Evidence Statement and identify what additional evidence is required to meet the goals of the FMP within the Evidence Plan.
2. Establish what the current and upcoming opportunities are to improve the evidence base.
3. For all stocks that are data poor and consequentially unable to be assessed for stock status and MSY, seek to improve datasets to allow for assessment.
4. Encourage and support the establishment of reference points for stocks in this FMP where these do not currently exist or need improvement.
5. Consider re-opening the survey for common sole in the Eastern Channel to address the evidence gaps around recruitment.

Medium- to long-term actions

1. Commission data collation to better understand the status of halibut within this FMP. This could be undertaken by the relevant ICES working group to better identify the stock unit.
2. Following identification of the stock unit, commission ICES to develop a stock assessment.

Goal 2. Deliver effective management of the stocks within the FMP

Rationale

Effective management will support delivery of sustainable stock levels across both quota and non-quota stocks, and restoration or maintenance of fisheries at sustainable levels.

In the JFS, the UK Government lays out a shared ambition to deliver ‘world class, sustainable management of our sea fisheries and aquaculture across the UK, and to play our part in supporting delivery of this globally’. It also states that ‘as part of being an independent coastal State, the fisheries policy authorities will work together to support a vibrant, profitable, and sustainable fishing and aquaculture sector supported by a healthy marine environment that is resilient to climate change’. These ambitions are managed in line with numerous domestic and international policy drivers, which oblige action to consider and mitigate for the wider adverse environmental impacts of fishing activity.

The actions within this goal will develop a harvest strategy and seek to improve datasets to allow for assessment of stocks’ MSY. Better data and TAC setting, by aligning with an MSY approach or use of the mixed fisheries scenarios provided by ICES, will help to ensure that the harvesting of flatfish and fishing pressure is kept to sustainable levels.

Lemon sole, turbot and brill were highlighted as species requiring protection during the juvenile life stages of their development. Evidence underpinning the MCRS was gathered, and expert advice was sought on whether introducing a MCRS would meet the intended outcome of protecting juvenile individuals up to the size of maturity and reproduction.

It is important that these measures align where possible with other MCRSs in the Channel, noting that specific adjustments may be required to meet specific sustainability requirements for individual species and the fishery as a whole.

As discussed in the ‘TAC management’ section, management changes for lemon sole, witch, turbot and brill have been achieved in 2024 through an interim measure since the draft of the FMP was published. This has realigned the stocks to correspond better with the ICES management areas and ensures that stocks are not overexploited. We will continue to pursue longer-term recognition of these stocks through individual TACs corresponding to their known spatial distribution in a future UK-EU agreement.

This goal is central to achieving the sustainability and precautionary objectives outlined in the Act.

Short-term actions

1. Implement a MCRS for lemon sole, turbot and brill.
2. Review the TAC management areas for lemon sole, witch, turbot and brill, and seek full realignment of these with the stock management areas.
3. Follow harvest standard specification (HSS) guidance to progress towards more sustainable fisheries.
4. Implement a precautionary approach when robust data is not yet available.
5. Use this FMP to increase the number of stocks fished at MSY, consistent with the best available scientific advice and considering best available evidence on the effects of fishing activity.

Medium- to long-term actions

1. Deliver a mixed and multi-species management approach where applicable for the fisheries within the Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel mixed flatfish FMP.
2. Following the identification of the stock unit for halibut in goal 1, commission ICES to develop a stock assessment.

Goal 3. Support and deliver wider environmental sustainability by understanding how the fishing activities within this FMP impact on the wider marine environment, and identify options to minimise negative impacts

Rationale

A thriving fishing industry is underpinned by a healthy marine environment. The Government is committed to an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, which will account for, and seek to minimise, impacts on non-commercial species and the marine environment generally (as set out in the EIP and JFS). The ecosystem objective of the Act further articulates that an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management:

• ensures that the collective pressure of human activities is kept within levels compatible with the achievement of GES (within the meaning of the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010)
• does not compromise the capacity of marine ecosystems to respond to human-induced changes

Concerns have been raised by stakeholders regarding the impact of towed gears on inshore stocks, and the subsequent impact this has on the fishers and dependent communities. Additional evidence is required to understand how gear restrictions, such as those to engine power and additional selectivity measures, might be used to enhance stock sustainability for the benefit of the whole sector. This includes measures that may support the successful management of MCRS introductions that are proposed as part of this FMP.

This evidence must include consideration of:

• the potential impact of any proposals on vessels
• benefits that measures might have on the sustainability of inshore stocks and benthic habitats
• the impact of displacement on the marine environment beyond 12 nautical miles

Consideration will also need to be given to the principles outlined in the TCA when considering measures.

Evidence from ICES suggests that there is a high rate of discards of dab. Better understanding the impact of fishing gear on the marine environment, and working to minimise the negative impacts of fishing on non-target species, marine habitats and ecosystems, will contribute to the achievement of domestic and international targets. This rationale is central to achieving the sustainability, ecosystem, climate change and bycatch objectives outlined in the Act.

Medium- to long-term actions

1. Explore the impacts of introducing an increased mesh size of 100mm for all towed gears in 7d, to improve the selectivity of juvenile catch and compatibility with proposed MCRSs.
2. Consider gathering evidence on potential options for enhanced management of towed gears in 7d, in particular within the 0 to 12 nautical mile limit.
3. Investigate and understand the key issues in protected species bycatch within the fishery, and develop appropriate mitigation.
4. Better understand the impact of fishing gear interactions with the marine environment in flatfish fisheries, and develop appropriate mitigation.
5. Work to understand and minimise bycatch of unwanted stocks and minimise discarding.
6. Incentivise participation in scientific trials to improve data collection on discards.
7. Better understand any contribution of the mixed flatfish fisheries to marine litter, and explore mitigations to address the impact on the marine environment.

Goal 4. Better understand and effectively manage the social and economic value of the fisheries to the coastal communities within the FMP area

Rationale

The UK Government holds an ambition to enable fisheries to continue to deliver social and economic benefit to coastal communities to benefit present and future generations. The UK Government also continues to further its understanding of the social and cultural benefits of fishing to fishers and coastal communities. Therefore, the FMP has established an overarching goal which falls under the social and economic benefits of the fishery. The goal will consider social and economic matters holistically, in order to understand the social and economic value of the fisheries and optimise any benefits identified to ensure that the industry continues to operate for future generations. The current available social and economic evidence can be found within the Evidence Statement.

Flatfish species are highly valuable and, if managed effectively, flatfish fishing has the potential to generate substantial social and economic benefits for local coastal communities, including through recreational fishing. This ambition is driven by the Fisheries Act 2020 and contributes to the sustainability, equal access and national benefit objectives.

Short-term actions

1. Identify the communities reliant upon the fisheries within this FMP, including building understanding of recreational activity for flatfish species.
2. Identify the social and economic data available on the species covered by this FMP, including any gaps.
3. Encourage and support industry in any initiatives to promote the consumption and value of stocks, and improve economic efficiency within the FMP.
4. Seek ways to integrate and develop social and economic indicators to monitor social and economic impacts, and investigate how this information could be gathered.

Medium- to long-term actions

1. Identify new ways of gathering social and economic data, and adapt the FMP when new or improved methods are developed to fill any evidence gaps.
2. Update the FMP as necessary when socioeconomic evidence relevant to FMP measures is available.

Goal 5. Explore options to mitigate against and adapt to the impact of climate change within the fishery

Rationale

The changing climatic conditions hold the potential to impact the fishing industry and the wider environment. The anthropogenic emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) associated with fossil fuel usage drives climate change, leading to increased sea surface temperature, ocean acidification, and fluctuations within large-scale weather and climate patterns that can impact ecological baselines.

Under the Fisheries Act’s climate objective, and net zero ambitions, the UK Government is committed to reducing CO2 emissions within the fishing fleet, and to improving resilience to climate-driven impacts across the sector. By mitigating and reducing the impacts from changing climatic conditions, this will contribute to the climate change, ecosystem and national benefit objectives outlined in the Act. Even though delivery of mitigation strategies for climate change is not within scope of this first iteration of this FMP, it holds a longer-term goal which is set out below.

The impact of climate change on fish stocks, and therefore the fishing industry, will also likely increase in future. Through the FMP, management should support industry in adapting to the impact of climate change on flatfish stocks. It should also contribute to climate mitigation efforts to meet net zero wherever possible, for example, through technological, managerial and behavioural changes that will increase energy efficiency, encourage the transition to alternative fuels and energy sources, and reduce the direct impact of fisheries on marine carbon stores.

The Climate Change Act 2008 (amended in 2019) sets a legally binding target of achieving net zero GHG emissions by 2050 across the UK economy, with an ambition of a 78% reduction by 2035. To support these targets, all sectors, including the UK seafood sector, must develop plans to reduce their GHG emissions and utilise alternative clean energy sources, to contribute to meeting the net zero target.

Medium- to long-term actions

1. Investigate the impacts of changing climatic conditions on the mixed flatfish fisheries.
2. Encourage industry participation in initiatives to reduce CO2 emissions.
3. Support industry’s adaptation to the impacts of climate change.
4. Adapt and change this FMP as research into climate change develops and new methods to address climatic challenges arise.

Implementation, monitoring and review

Implementation and monitoring

This FMP sets out a vision and goals for this fishery, together with the policies and management interventions necessary to achieve these goals. This FMP proposes new measures but does not implement them. The actions and measures contained within this FMP will undergo a subsequent implementation phase where appropriate mechanisms will be required to deliver them. Such mechanisms could include voluntary measures, licence conditions, national and regional byelaws, and statutory instruments. This implementation phase will build on the existing evidence base, any action taken throughout the FMP’s development and the options discussed with stakeholders.

Subsequent implementation roadmaps will be subject to regular monitoring and review to ensure progress. This FMP is subject to a statutory review process at a maximum of 6 years after publication. After this point it will be necessary to evidence what has been achieved through the implementation of those actions and measures. This review process will also build in monitoring for potential environmental effects, to help establish whether any changes are needed in the management of the flatfish fisheries.

Indicators for monitoring the effectiveness of the plan

This is the first version of this FMP, which sets out the vision and goals identified for sustainable management of this fishery. These plans will take time to develop and implement. They are intended to allow for an adaptive approach. They will be reviewed and improved over time as we collect more evidence and collaborate with the fishing sector and other stakeholders on the sustainable management of these fisheries.

Delivery of the actions and measures in this FMP will be monitored. There is sufficient evidence to determine MSY for turbot, witch, North Sea and eastern English Channel sole, and North Sea and eastern English Channel plaice, and to assess the sustainability of these stocks.

Maintenance of fishing for these stocks at sustainable levels, and an increase in the number of stocks fished at sustainable levels, will indicate the effectiveness of this plan for these stocks. 

For lemon sole, flounder, dab and brill, a reduced level of stock assessment data is available, however there is sufficient evidence to determine a proxy for MSY and to assess the sustainability of these stocks. Maintenance of fishing at sustainable levels will indicate the effectiveness of this plan for these stocks.

For Atlantic halibut there is insufficient evidence to determine MSY or a proxy for MSY. This FMP sets out the proposed steps to build the evidence base for these data limited stocks (lemon sole, flounder, dab and Atlantic halibut) to support progress towards defining and measuring stock status and reporting on stock sustainability. An increase in the available evidence to define and measure stock status will be an indicator of the effectiveness of this plan for these stocks.

As part of annual negotiations, annual reviews will be undertaken of the stocks to analyse how they are performing against these reference points, and any other reference points provided within the advice. Maintaining the approach of using best available scientific advice to guide management decisions, and continuing to work effectively with coastal State partners to ensure sustainable harvesting, will indicate the effectiveness of this plan. This recognises the limitations of the UK in joint management of stocks, where maintaining overall biomass may be beyond our control, and reflects potential future variation as a result of climate change. 

Another indicator to measure the effectiveness of the policies for restoring or maintaining these stocks at sustainable levels is the introduction of an MCRS for lemon sole, turbot and brill catches in the FMP area.

The FMP will take advantage of future datasets, as set out in section 3.2.10 of the JFS, which outlines that a range of data and information will be gathered, including social, from sources such as fisheries-dependent sampling. The monitoring and evaluation framework for the FMP will continue to be developed and supported by the independent program evaluation of the FMP Program, which will produce a framework for evaluation of individual FMPs by the end of 2024.

Evaluation and review process for indicators

Annual reviews of reference points relating to stocks will take place following the release of the annual ICES advice and in addition to the standard 6-year review cycle set out in the Act and the JFS. Further reviews may also be required if new opportunities present themselves to improve the effectiveness of the plan.

Review and revision of plan

As set out in the Act, this FMP must be reviewed when appropriate, and at least every 6 years. This formal review will assess how the FMP has performed in terms of meeting the objectives of the Act. The findings of these reviews will inform the development of subsequent versions of the FMP. Further reviews could be carried out within the 6-year period if the responsible authority feels there is a need to do so based on the evidence, monitoring, and effectiveness of the plan. Furthermore, the FMP will be assessed as part of the process to report on and review the JFS.