Exploring the ramifications of the potential Doggerbank closure: MIDs article appears in the international aquafeed magazine

The UK’s proposal to potentially restrict EU fishing access to the Dogger Bank, primarily targeting Sandeel harvesting, is poised to have ripple effects on the EU fishing sector, with implications reaching into the aquafeed and salmon industries. Motivated by a conservation objective for the marine ecosystem, this proposal is expected to significantly strain European aquaculture, exacerbating challenges within the global food security landscape. Our recently published article in the  International aquafeed magazine. Describes the potential closure’s impacts, discusses its relevance for conservation and exploring broader implications for the European feed industry and food security.

The EU’s response to the British consultation on spatial management closures underscores the significance of a science-driven and proportionate approach in Sandeel fisheries management. The existing management framework relies on scientific guidance from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), a key contributor of scientific advice for EU fisheries. This approach has additional support through environmental certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and MarinTrust. Both certifications have previously endorsed the Sandeel industry, ensuring environmentally sustainable operations with minimal ecological impact. ICES, MSC, and MarinTrust collectively stress the necessity of precautionary measures in Sandeel fishing, advocating for catch quotas based not only on maximum sustainable yield but also on modeling to protect the broader ecosystem.

For further details, you can access the full article here.