Consultation on Spatial Management Measures for Industrial Sandeel Fishing

Sandeels are integral to the marine ecosystem of the North Sea. They are highly sensitive to changing environmental conditions and the increased effects of climate change can negatively impact the health of the North Sea sandeel stocks. This pressure combined with the continued removal of sandeels through industrial fishing methods risks further declines of threatened and vulnerable species in the wider marine environment, which rely on sandeels as a food source. Defra are considering new spatial management measures to provide additional resilience and protection for the North Sea sandeel stocks to reduce the impacts of industrial sandeel fishing on the wider ecosystem. We would value your input on the three proposed spatial management measures within this consultation.