Sea Fisheries
Fishing is the most widespread and significant exploitative activity in the marine environment.
The most common methods involve towed fishing gear such as trawls or dredges pulled through water. Depending on the species to be caught, these can be either demersal (towed on the seabed) or pelagic (towed clear of the seabed). In shallower, inshore waters, static fishing methods are more common, such as the use of baited pots or traps, baited hooks on set lines and fixed nets.
Fisheries management
At present, most fishery management is based on the size and distribution of stocks of individual fish species. Management of fisheries to keep stocks above a ‘safe biological level’ puts limits on fish numbers caught, the gear that can be used, and the number of fishing days. In north-west European waters, fisheries management has largely failed to meet this objective, leading to fewer fish being available for fishermen to catch.
The English fishing fleet is now much smaller than in the past yet technical efficiency means these impacts on marine biodiversity will continue. It seems likely that the current adverse effects on fish stocks and the marine environment will continue unless there is significant reform of the Common Fisheries Policy.
This requires a long-term approach to management of fish stocks, the adoption of both an ecosystem approach to management and the precautionary principle, reduction in overall fleet capacity, environmental protection requirements and a reduction in by-catch. Common Fisheries Policy measures agreed in late 2007 have focussed on protecting cod stocks and reducing discards.
For further information on the impact of fishing see Natural England’s State of the Natural Environment report.
Natural England’s view on marine fisheries
Natural England has an interest in marine fisheries, in particular on the impacts of different fishing activities on marine habitats and species. We are supporting legislative and management measures to ensure that vulnerable or endangered species, particularly BAP species, for example common or white skate, are protected.
We are also strongly committed to helping Government and fisheries managers to develop more sustainable approaches to fisheries management generally. We need to ensure that designated sites, and in particular European Marine Sites are not negatively impacted by fishing activities.
We are involved in fisheries at a European level through the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) which is due to be reviewed in 2012. Natural England is working with the other country agencies (Joint Nature Conservancy Council
, Scottish Natural Heritage and Countryside Council for Wales) to ensure that this delivers sustainable fisheries.
