Consultation opens on fisheries management plan for non-quota shellfish such as crabs, lobsters and scallops
A draft fisheries management plan (FMP) which is designed to improve the long-term sustainability of non-quota shellfish stocks in Northern Ireland has opened for public consultation.
The draft FMP sets out the objectives and actions designed to protect stocks of crabs, lobsters and scallops for future generations and ensure the fishing communities that rely on them can continue to thrive.
It is a commitment under the UK Joint Fisheries Statement and has been developed by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in close collaboration with the fishing industry, environmental organisations and science partners.
Opening the consultation, Minister Muir said: “The waters around Northern Ireland are home to some of the best wild shellfish and this fisheries management plan is vital for securing the long-term sustainability of the crab, lobster and scallop fisheries that are of significant economic importance for many of our inshore catching fleet and other local seafood businesses.
“This draft plan is the first of four that my Department is responsible for delivering.
“I thank the local fishing industry representatives and other stakeholders who have already been involved in the working groups to shape the draft plan ahead of this consultation.
“I would urge all interested parties to respond to this consultation to help chart the course to ensure these important shellfish fisheries are sustainable for generations to come.”
The public consultation on this draft FMP is open for 12 weeks until 17 July 2026.
The Department is also planning a webinar to take place during this consultation period and details will follow.
The consultation is available at:
You can respond at: https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/daera/draft-fisheries-management-plan-for-non-quota-shel/
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The crab and lobster fishermen in Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie will be watching this consultation closely as it could impact directly on their livelihoods. Many of these fishermen were former skippers and boat owners in the prawn fleet and either sold their licences or vessels and scaled down.
Also, the recent pressures on the Irish Sea fishery caused by the IOM asserting its fisheries boundaries means that a scallop fishery once fished close to the IOM is now not accessible for Northen Ireland fishermen unless they are registered and fishing from the IOM.
With the increase in restricted environmental zones in the Irish Sea, the likely growth of windfarms and the very high cost of diesel fuel, and the increased costs andf availability of forwign crews, the NI prawn fishing industy has its back to the wall and this trickles down to the crab and lobster sector.
The options for diversification into other areas of fishing are very limited and highly regulated.
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