Spurdog fishing returns in UK as stock replenishes in Northeast Atlantic
TCN Service/London
Fishermen in the United Kingdom (UK) can now rejoice as the government allowed Northeast Atlantic spurdog fishing in UK waters.
The government has given permission for spurdog fishing after receiving scientific evidence that the fish stock has recovered and can support landing in 2023-24.
Commenting on the development, UK fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said “Through the management of spurdog as a prohibited species, we have enabled stocks to recover to the point where our fishing industry can once again fish this species commercially on a sustainable basis.
We will continue to use the latest scientific advice and monitor stocks to ensure appropriate management measures are in place to protect the species, cementing our commitment to establish a sustainable and profitable UK fishing industry for generations to come.”
Spurdog (Squalus acanthias), also known as picked or spiny dogfish, are a type of shark species that inhabit UK waters.
They have been managed as a prohibited species in UK and EU waters for around five years to facilitate stock recovery.
But now, following a recently updated scientific assessment, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has advised the stock is recovering and landings of spurdog can be supported again.
A total allowable catch (TAC) has been agreed for North-east Atlantic Spurdog at the UK-EU fisheries negotiations, with the UK receiving a quota allocation of 2,781 tonnes in the North Sea and 4,825 tonnes in Western waters for 2023.
North Sea spurdog quota will be shared between the UK Fisheries Administrations in England, Scotland, Wales and NI using existing fixed quota allocation units for allocation to industry groups.
Western spurdog quota will be kept unallocated and managed by monthly tonnage limits in UK vessel licences, with limits being closely monitored and adjusted as necessary once more data is gathered on the fishery.
