House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Pollack in western waters
23 February 2024 · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Proposed by Mark Spencer Con Sherwood
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The closure of pollack fishing in western waters is due to scientific advice recommending a zero TAC for 2024.
- Up to 6 million in grant funding is available through the re-opened Fisheries and Seafood Scheme for affected fishers.
- A new scientific study led by Cefas aims to enhance understanding of pollack stock, with fishers participating in genetic sample collection.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the closure of pollack fishing in western waters due to scientific advice from ICES recommending a zero TAC for 2024.
Action requested
The minister announces the re-opening of the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme to provide up to £6 million in grant funding, with expedited processing for affected fishers. Additionally, a new scientific study led by Cefas is launched to improve understanding of pollack stock, involving fishers in genetic sample collection.
Key facts
- ICES advised setting the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for pollack at zero for 2024.
- A UK-EU bycatch TAC of 832 tonnes was negotiated to avoid impacting other healthy fisheries.
- The Fisheries and Seafood Scheme is open again as of 23 February 2024 with up to £6 million in grant funding.
- Fishers affected by the zero TAC will have their applications expedited, reducing processing time from 8 weeks to 4 weeks.
- Cefas leads a scientific study involving fishers to collect genetic samples from around 3,000 pollack.