Consultation on the proposed Whelk Fisheries Management Plan

The purpose of this consultation is to seek your views on the proposed Whelk Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), its policies and proposed measures. We are also seeking your views on the likely environmental impacts of the whelk FMP set out in the environmental report. Whelks were prioritised for an FMP due to the stock’s vulnerability to over-exploitation, the economic value of the fishery and a lack of evidence to properly assess and monitor the state of the stock. The Whelk FMP sets out a pathway to the long-term sustainable management of the whelk fisheries in English waters. Feedback from engagement with industry has shown that there is a need for better management of the whelk fishery. The FMP collates the evidence to assess the status on whelk stocks and the whelk fishery around England, identifies existing management measures and sets out short- and long-term actions to manage the whelk fishery.