Scientists Urge UK Government to Align Fishing Quotas with Scientific Advice

Twenty-nine marine scientists wrote to the UK Government urging ministers to set fishing catch limits based on scientific advice, warning that overfishing could damage coastal economies and marine ecosystems. The intervention occurs as the UK negotiates Total Allowable Catches with other coastal states. The scientists noted that more than a quarter of 105 fish stocks in UK waters are currently overfished.

The scientists highlighted that half of the 10 most commercially important stocks, including North Sea cod and Northeast Atlantic mackerel, are overexploited or overfished. They called on Environment Secretary Angela Eagle to push all participating countries to follow advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, stating that scientific advice is the foundation of good fisheries management.