Fisheries Policy

Fisheries Management Plans

The UK Government has responsibilities under international law and is committed to managing our fisheries in a sustainable way. Meeting our responsibilities will support vibrant, profitable, and sustainable fishing industries alongside a healthy and productive marine environment.

The Fisheries Act 2020 provides the framework to manage our fisheries as an independent coastal state outside of the EU Common Fisheries Policy. The act requires the UK fisheries policy authorities (DAERA along with DEFRA and the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales) to publish fisheries management plans (FMPs) to help deliver our ambition for sustainable fisheries.

The Joint Fisheries Statement lists 43 proposed FMPs. Some FMPs will be developed jointly by 2 or more fisheries policy authorities, whilst others will be developed by a single authority for its own waters.

What an FMP is

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.

Each FMP will specify the stocks, type of fishing and the geographic area covered, as well as the authority or authorities responsible and indicators to be used for monitoring the effectiveness of the plan.

Once published, FMPs will inform a wide range of relevant fisheries management actions. There will not be a ‘one size fits all’ approach to our FMPs – they will be designed according to the specific needs of their stocks, fisheries and location. Therefore, FMPs will vary in their content and format because our fisheries range from stocks whose management is well understood, to complex mixed fisheries with many stocks in whole sea areas.

Please click on the video below which provides an overview of FMPs.

How the plans work

Each FMP will set out goals and the actions needed for their achievement. The precise mechanisms needed will depend on the goals set out in the plan. DAERA (and the other national fisheries authorities where applicable) will coordinate the implementation of the plan.

FMPs will be delivered through a wide range of actions, such as drawing upon existing measures or, if needed, developing new regulations or technical measures. The plans may also progress using non-statutory routes, such as research plans, voluntary agreements and codes of conduct.

After publication, each plan will remain a live document that will be monitored, reviewed, and adapted as needed. Management actions will be updated when necessary to ensure the FMP meets its goals.

Preparing the plans

DAERA is responsible for preparing and publishing plans. We are working collaboratively with delivery partners and the fishing sector on our FMPs. We will also seek views from other marine industries, policy makers, scientists and environmental groups when preparing FMPs.

This represents a significant shift in our approach to fisheries management, with a greater emphasis on stakeholder participation and collaboration. We recognise the importance of enabling those with a stake in the fisheries to participate in the management of those fisheries

Publishing the plans

Once drafted, FMPs must go through a public consultation, giving all interested parties the opportunity to give their views.

Once finalised, for FMPs relevant to Northern Ireland waters, DAERA will then seek approval from the Minister to publish the FMP (although for FMPs produced jointly with other fisheries policy authorities, DAERA will act jointly with the other relevant authority to publish the document).

FMPs in development

DAERA is currently preparing 3 FMPs for Northern Ireland waters, which will be published in 2024. DAERA, in collaboration with its delivery partners, is leading on the preparation of these plans.

Working groups have also been established for the three FMPs.

Irish Sea Pelagic

The Irish Sea Pelagic FMP sets out the policies and measures to manage the fishing of Irish Sea herring, within Northern Ireland, Welsh and English waters. The policies and measures contained within this plan are being prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and jointly agreed by the English and Welsh fisheries policy authorities.

The Irish Sea Pelagic FMP working group has made significant progress in compiling the first draft of the FMP. However, the date for publication as set out in the JFS will not be met. The reasons for the delay include resourcing issues and additional time required to fulfil some of the requirements that were identified during the drafting process for the frontrunner FMPs, such as the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) process.

Contact DAERA’s FMP Team at fmps@daera-ni.gov.uk to find out more.

Irish Sea Demersal

The Irish Sea Demersal FMP sets out the policies and measures designed to manage demersal fishing within Northern Ireland, Welsh and English waters. The policies and measures contained within this plan are being prepared by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and jointly agreed by the English and Welsh fisheries policy authorities.

The Irish Sea Demersal is on course for publication in 2024.

Contact DAERA’s FMP Team at fmps@daera-ni.gov.uk to find out more.

NI Inshore Fisheries

The Northern Ireland Inshore FMP sets out the policies and measures designed to manage non-quota shellfish fisheries, including Brown Crab, Velvet Crab, Lobster, King Scallop, Queen Scallop and Periwinkles in the Northern Ireland Inshore Zone.

The Northern Ireland Inshore FMP is on course for publication in 2024.

Contact DAERA’s FMP Team at fmps@daera-ni.gov.uk to find out more.