Category: Current News

Quota cap removed for 2023 Fishers on the 440 under-10m vessels subject to an annual quota cap will not face the limitation for the remainder of 2023 following a decision by Defra and Marine Management Organisation (MMO). These vessels will now be able to fish up to the monthly limits in the same way as… Read more »

More action needed to protect the world’s ocean, announced the Environment Secretary on World Wildlife Day, 3 March. The Environment Secretary called for countries to join together to halt and reverse the loss of nature and protect at least 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030. Following the historic agreement reached at the UN Biodiversity… Read more »

Highly Protected Marine Areas Announcement Defra has announced that it intends to designate the first three Highly Protected Marine Areas in English waters. Defra received over 900 responses to the consultation on candidate sites, demonstrating strong and varied views. The responses, and further evidence also provided, have been analysed. The government intends to designate the… Read more »

Join the Herring Hunt in Scottish Waters! Join the “Herring Hunt”! Become a citizen scientist and record sightings of herring and co-occurring fish, seabirds, and marine mammals in Scottish inshore waters. Lets find out when, where and how often the Silver Darlings are around! Everyone – residents, schools, fishers, tour guides, and visitors – can… Read more »

Dumfries and Galloway Coastal Benefit Fund – Now Open for Applications Following Dumfries and Galloway Council Communities Committee meeting on Friday, Members have agreed to open for Round 4 of the Coastal Benefit Fund, which will see over £760k invested to directly benefit our Coastal Communities. The deadline for applications is mid-day on 27th March… Read more »

Scottish Highly Protected Marine Areas(HPMA): consultation Scotland has an existing Marine Protected Areas (MPA) network which covers 37% of our seas and includes sites of various designations: Special Areas of Conservation (SACs), Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and Marine Protected Areas (including MPAs for Nature Conservation as well as Historic MPAs and Demonstration and Research MPAs)…. Read more »

Work to Support Wild Salmon Recovery in Scotland A comprehensive plan to ensure the recovery of wild Atlantic Salmon populations in Scotland has been published. Developed in partnership with stakeholders, the Wild Salmon Strategy Implementation Plan covers five priority themes: Managing recreational angling Understanding pressures in marine and coastal environment International collaborations Modernising legislation Improving… Read more »

North West Awards for Coastal Excellence 2023 now Open for Entries! The North West Coastal Forum is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for NW ACE 2023 – an award scheme that recognises and celebrates outstanding achievement in and contribution to the long-term management of the North West’s coast and near-shore marine environment. There… Read more »

Environmental Improvement Plan 2023 Published Plans to restore nature, improve environmental quality, and increase the prosperity of the country were set out by the government on Tuesday 31st January as it publishes its Environmental Improvement Plan 2023. Building on the vision set out five years ago in the 25 Year Environment Plan, with new powers and duties from… Read more »

Fishing fund gears up to help industry go green Grants of up to £40,000 on offer through £100m UK Seafood Fund to trial greener engine technology, helping to create a safe and sustainable fishing sector whilst tackling rising fuel costs. The UK fishing industry is to benefit from an initial £2 million investment to trial… Read more »