The closure will run from 22 November 2026 to 31 May 2027 (inclusive) and will apply to all UK and EU vessels and all types of gear.
This was one of the options offered for consultation with stakeholders, and MMO reached its decision after considering their feedback and the socio-economic impacts on fishing communities.
The?closure period will apply for 2026?to 2027?only, and more engagement?with stakeholders will be undertaken as longer term?management measures are considered.
Notes to editors
- The closure applies to UK and EU vessels?using?all gear types in English waters?of ICES area 7.
- The?rationale for a seasonal?closure?is to: - offer increased protection to crawfish during their spawning season - support future growth in the?population, and - limit the risk of mortality due to fish being caught in poor condition and nets being lost in poor weather.
- The?fourth seasonal closure?continues MMO’s response to concerns raised by industry and wider stakeholders about the crawfish?fishery. This?closure?will?provide protection for the stock whilst balancing the economic and social needs of the fishing industry.?MMO will work with stakeholders on longer term management for the fishery.
- Landings data and feedback from the commercial fishing fleet?have?showed an?increase in landings and effort in recent years, along with fluctuating changes in the length of the fishing season, fleet size and the gear type used in the fishery.