Regulation (EU) 2019/1241 of the European Parliament and of the CouncilShow full title

ANNEX I U.K. PROHIBITED SPECIES

Species for which there is a prohibition to fish for, retain on board, tranship, land, store, sell, display or offer for sale, as referred to in Article 10(2):

(a)

The following species of sawfish in [F1 United Kingdom] waters:

(i)

narrow sawfish (Anoxypristis cuspidata);

(ii)

dwarf sawfish (Pristis clavata);

(iii)

smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata);

(iv)

largetooth sawfish (Pristis pristis);

(v)

green sawfish (Pristis zijsron);

(b)

basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) and white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) in all waters;

(c)

smooth lantern shark (Etmopterus pusillus) in [F2 United Kingdom] waters of ICES division 2a and subarea 4 and in [F2 United Kingdom] waters of ICES subareas [F3 5, 6, 7 and 8];

(d)

reef manta ray (Manta alfredi) in [F4 United Kingdom] waters;

(e)

giant manta ray (Manta birostris) in [F5 United Kingdom] waters;

(f)

the following species of Mobula rays in [F6 United Kingdom] waters:

(i)

devil fish (Mobula mobular);

(ii)

lesser Guinean devil ray (Mobula rochebrunei);

(iii)

spinetail mobula (Mobula japanica);

(iv)

smoothtail mobula (Mobula thurstoni);

(v)

longhorned mobula (Mobula eregoodootenkee);

(vi)

Munk’s devil ray (Mobula munkiana);

(vii)

Chilean devil ray (Mobula tarapacana);

(viii)

shortfin devil ray (Mobula kuhlii);

(ix)

lesser devil ray (Mobula hypostoma);

(g)

Norwegian skate (Raja (Dipturus) nidarosiensis) in [F7 United Kingdom] waters of ICES divisions 6a, 6b, 7a, F8 ... 7e, 7f, 7g [F9 and 7h];

(h)

white skate (Raja alba) in [F10 United Kingdom] waters of ICES subareas [F11 6, 7 and 8]

(i)

guitarfishes (Rhinobatidae) in [F12 United Kingdom] waters of ICES subareas [F13 5–8];

(j)

angel shark (Squatina squatina) in [F14 United Kingdom] waters;

(k)

salmon (Salmo salar) and sea trout (Salmo trutta) when fishing with any towed net within [F15 United Kingdom waters] outside the six-mile limit measured from F16 ... baselines in ICES sub-areas [F17 2 and 4–8];

(l)

houting (Coregonus oxyrhynchus) in [F18 United Kingdom waters of] ICES division 4b F19 ...;

(m)

the Adriatic sturgeon (Acipenser naccarii) and common sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) in [F20 United Kingdom] waters;

(n)

F21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(o)

F22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(p)

hatpin urchin (Centrostephanus longispinus).

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Annex 1 point (a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F2 Words in Annex 1 point (c) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F3 Words in Annex 1 point (c) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(b)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F4 Words in Annex 1 point (d) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F5 Words in Annex 1 point (e) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(d); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F6 Words in Annex 1 point (f) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(e); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F7 Words in Annex 1 point (g) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(f)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F8 Words in Annex 1 point (g) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(f)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F9 Words in Annex 1 point (g) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(f)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F10 Words in Annex 1 point (h) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(g)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F11 Words in Annex 1 point (h) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(g)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F12 Words in Annex 1 point (i) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(h)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F13 Words in Annex 1 point (i) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(h)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F14 Words in Annex 1 point (j) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F15 Words in Annex 1 point (k) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(j)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F16 Words in Annex 1 point (k) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(j)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F17 Words in Annex 1 point (k) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(j)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F18 Words in Annex 1 point (l) inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(k)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F19 Words in Annex 1 point (l) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(k)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F20 Words in Annex 1 point (m) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(l); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F21 Annex 1 point (n) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(m); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F22 Annex 1 point (o) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(31)(n); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

ANNEX II U.K. CLOSED AREAS FOR THE PROTECTION OF SENSITIVE HABITATS

For the purposes of Article 12, the following restrictions on fishing activity are applicable in the areas enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system:

PART A U.K. North Western Waters

F23 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F23 Annex 2 Pt. A point 1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(32)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F24 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F24 Annex 2 Pt. A point 2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(32)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

3. It shall be prohibited to deploy any bottom trawl or similar towed nets within the following area: U.K.

Darwin Mounds:

• 59°54′ N, 6°55′ W

• 59°47′ N, 6°47′ W

• 59°37′ N, 6°47′ W

• 59°37′ N, 7°39′ W

• 59°45′ N, 7°39′ W

• 59°54′ N, 7°25′ W.

F25 PART B U.K. South Western Waters

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F25 Annex 2 Pt. B omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(32)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

ANNEX III U.K. LIST OF SPECIES PROHIBITED FOR CAPTURE WITH DRIFTNETS

• Albacore: Thunnus alalunga

• Bluefin tuna: Thunnus thynnus

• Bigeye tuna: Thunnus obesus

• Skipjack: Katsuwonus pelamis

• Atlantic Bonito: Sarda sarda

• Yellowfin tuna: Thunnus albacares

• Blackfin tuna: Thunnus atlanticus

• Little tuna: Euthynnus spp.

• Southern bluefin tuna: Thunnus maccoyii

• Frigate tuna: Auxis spp.

• Oceanic sea breams: Brama rayi

• Marlins: Tetrapturus spp.; Makaira spp.

• Sailfishes: Istiophorus spp.

• Swordfishes: Xiphias gladius

• Sauries: Scomberesox spp.; Cololabis spp.

• Dolphinfishes: Coryphœna spp.

• Sharks: Hexanchus griseus; Cetorhinus maximus; Alopiidae; Carcharhinidae; Sphyrnidae; Isuridae; Lamnidae

• Cephalopods: all species

F26 ANNEX IV U.K. MEASUREMENT OF THE SIZE OF A MARINE ORGANISM

Textual Amendments

F26 Annex 4 Figure 10 inserted (1.4.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/439), reg. 1(1), Sch.

1.

The size of any fish shall be measured, as shown in Figure 1, from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail fin.

2.

The size of a Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) shall be measured, as shown in Figure 2, either:

• as the length of the carapace, parallel to the midline, from the back of either eye socket to the midpoint of the distal dorsal edge of the carapace, or

• as the total length, from the tip of the rostrum to the rear end of the telson, not including the setae.

In the case of detached Norway lobster tails: from the front edge of the first tail segment present to the rear end of the telson, not including the setae. The tail shall be measured flat, unstretched and on the dorsal side.

3.

The size of a lobster (Homarus gammarus) from the North Sea F27 ... shall be measured, as shown in Figure 3, as the length of the carapace, parallel to the midline, from the back of either eye socket to the distal edge of the carapace [F28 (as illustrated in Figure 3 by line “(a)”)].

4.

F29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.

The size of a crawfish (Palinurus spp.) shall be measured, as shown in Figure 4, as the length of the carapace, parallel to the midline, from the tip of the rostrum to the midpoint of the distal dorsal edge of the carapace.

6.

The size of any bivalve mollusc shall be measured, as shown in Figure 5, across the longest part of the shell.

7.

The size of a spinous spider crab (Maja squinado) shall be measured, as shown in Figure 6, as the length of the carapace, along the midline, from the edge of the carapace between the rostrums to the posterior edge of the carapace.

8.

The size of an edible crab (Cancer pagurus) shall be measured, as shown in Figure 7, as the maximum width of the carapace measured perpendicular to the antero-posterior midline of the carapace.

9.

The size of a whelk (Buccinum spp.) shall be measured, as shown in Figure 8, as the length of the shell.

10.

[F30 The size of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is measured as the projected straight distance between the tip of the snout and the fork of the tail fin (“fork length”) as shown in Figure 10 and labelled as “FL”.]

Textual Amendments

F27 Words in Annex 4 point 3 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(33)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F28 Words in Annex 4 point 3 inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(33)(a)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F29 Annex 4 point 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(33)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F30 Annex 4 point 10 (previously omitted by virtue of S.I. 2019/1312, reg. 5(33)(b)) inserted (1.4.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/439), regs. 1(1), 8(2)(a)

Figure 1 Fish species

Figure 2 Norway Lobster

(Nephrops norvegicus)

Figure 3 Lobster

(Hommarus gammarus)

Figure 4 Crawfish

(Palinurus spp.)

Figure 5 Bivalve molluscs

Figure 6 Spinous Spider Crabs

(Maja squinado)

Figure 7 Edible crab

(Cancer pagurus)

Figure 8 Whelk

(Buccinum spp.)

Figure 9 Swordfish

(Xiphias gladius)

F26 Figure 10 Bluefin tuna

(Thunnus thynnus)

ANNEX V U.K. NORTH SEA(1)

PART A U.K. Minimum conservation reference sizes

a In [F31 United Kingdom] waters in ICES division 4a. In ICES Divisions 4b and 4c, a minimum conservation reference size of 130 mm shall apply.
b In an area in ICES divisions 4b and 4c limited by a point at 53°28′22″ N, 0°09′24″ E, on the coast of England, a straight line joining this point with 53°28′22″ N, 0°22′24″ E, the 6-mile boundary of the United Kingdom, and a straight line connecting a point at 51°54′06″ N, 1°30′30″ E, with a point on the coast of England at 51°55′48″ N, 1°17′00″ E, a minimum conservation reference size of 115 mm shall apply.
c For edible crabs caught in pots or creels, a maximum of 1 % by weight of the total catch of edible crab may consist of detached claws. For edible crabs caught with any other fishing gear, a maximum of 75 kg of detached crab claws may be landed.
d By way of derogation from Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the minimum conservation reference sizes of sardine, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel and mackerel shall not apply within a limit of 10 % by live weight of the total catches retained on board of each of those species. The percentage of sardine, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel or mackerel below minimum conservation reference size shall be calculated as the proportion by live weight of all marine organisms on board after sorting or on landing. The percentage may be calculated on the basis of one or more representative samples. The limit of 10 % shall not be exceeded during transhipment, landing, transportation, storage, display or sale. e [F32 For extensions to and exemptions from the minimum conservation reference size (including derogations from Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 (EUR 2013/1380)), see Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1627 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a multiannual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Regulation (EUR 2016/1627).]
Species	North Sea
Cod (Gadus morhua)	35 cm
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)	30 cm
Saithe (Pollachius virens)	35 cm
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)	30 cm
Hake (Merluccius merluccius)	27 cm
Megrim (Lepidorhombus spp.)	20 cm
Sole (Solea spp.)	24 cm
Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)	27 cm
Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)	27 cm
Ling (Molva molva)	63 cm
Blue ling (Molva dipterygia)	70 cm
Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)	Total length 85 mm, Carapace length 25 mm Norway lobster tails 46 mm
Mackerel (Scomber spp.)	30 cmd
Herring (Clupea harengus)	20 cmd
Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)	15 cmd
Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)	12 cm or 90 individuals per kgd
Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)	42 cm
Sardine (Sardina pilchardus)	11 cmd
Lobster (Homarus gammarus)	87 mm (carapace length)
Spinous spider crab (Maja squinado)	120 mm
Queen scallop (Chalamys spp.)	40 mm
Grooved carpetshell (Ruditapes decussatus)	40 mm
Carpetshell (Venerupis pullastra)	38 mm
Short-necked clam (Venerupis philippinarum)	35 mm
Clam (Venus verrucosa)	40 mm
Hard clam (Callista chione)	6 cm
Razor clam (Ensis spp.)	10 cm
Surf clams (Spisula solida)	25 mm
Donax clams (Donax spp.)	25 mm
Bean solen (Pharus legumen)	65 mm
Whelk (Buccinum undatum.)	45 mm
Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)	750 g
Crawfish (Palinurus spp.)	95 mm (carapace length) [F33 (in the English zone only a minimum conservation reference size of 110 mm shall apply)]
Deepwater rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostirs)	22 mm (carapace length)
Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)	140 mma b c
Scallop (Pecten maximus)	100 mm
Cod (Gadus morhua)	30 cm
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)	27 cm
Saithe (Pollachius virens)	30 cm
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)	—
Hake (Merluccius merluccius)	30 cm
Megrim (Lepidorhombus spp.)	25 cm
Sole (Solea spp.)	24 cm
Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)	27 cm
Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)	23 cm
Ling (Molva molva)	—
Blue ling (Molva dypterygia)	—
Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)	Total length 105 mm Norway lobster tails 59 mm Carapace length 32 mm
Mackerel (Scomber spp.)	20 cmd
Herring (Clupea harengus)	18 cmd
Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)	15 cmd
Lobster (Homarus gammarus)	Total length 220 mm Carapace length 78 mm
[F32 Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)	115 cm or 30 kg]e

Textual Amendments

F31 Words in Annex 5 Pt. A table footnote substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F32 Words in Annex 5 Pt. A table inserted (1.4.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/439), regs. 1(1), 8(3)

F33 Words in Annex 5 Pt. A table inserted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(3)

PART B U.K. Mesh sizes

1. Baseline mesh sizes for towed gear U.K.

1.1. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, vessels shall use a mesh size of at least 120 mm F34 .... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F34 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(i) (as substituted by S.I. 2020/1542, regs. 1(2), 17(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

1.2. Without prejudice to the landing obligation,F35 ... vessels may use smaller mesh sizes as listed in the following table for the North Sea F36 ... provided that: U.K.

(i)

the associated conditions set out in that table are complied with, and by-catches of cod, haddock and saithe do not exceed 20 % of the total catch in live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip; or

(ii)

other selectivity modifications are used which have been [F37 authorised by a fisheries administration following scientific assessment and approval]. Those selectivity modifications shall result in the same or better selectivity characteristics for cod, haddock and saithe as that of 120 mm.

Textual Amendments

F37 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1.2(ii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(ii)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F36 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

a Vessels shall be prohibited from using any beam trawl with a mesh size between 32 and 99 mm north of a line joined by the following points by a point on the East Coast of the United Kingdom at latitude 55° N, then east to latitude 55°, longitude 5° E, then north to latitude 56° N and east to a point on the west coast of Denmark at latitude 56° N. It is prohibited to use any beam trawl of mesh size range 32 to 119 mm within ICES Division 2a and that part of ICES Sub-area 4 to the north of 56° 00′ N.
Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 100 mma	North Sea south of 57° 30′ N	Directed fishing for plaice and sole with otter trawls, beam trawls, and seines. A square mesh panel of at least 90 mm shall be fitted.
At least 80 mma	ICES Divisions 4b and 4c	Directed fishing for sole with beam trawls. A panel with a mesh size of at least 180 mm fitted in the upper half of the anterior part of the net shall be fitted. Directed fishing for whiting, mackerel and species not subject to catch limits with bottom trawls. A square mesh panel of at least 80 mm shall be fitted.
At least 80 mm	North Sea	Directed fishing for Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus). A square mesh panel of at least 120 mm or sorting grid with a maximum bar spacing of 35 mm or equivalent selectivity device shall be fitted. Directed fishing for species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table. A square mesh panel of at least 80 mm shall be fitted. Directed fishing for skates and rays.
At least 80 mm	ICES division 4c	Directed fishing for sole using otter trawls. A square mesh panel of at least 80 mm shall be fitted.
F38 . . .	F38 . . .	F38 . . .
At least 40 mm	Whole area [F39 excluding waters within the English zone]	Directed fishing for squid (Lolignidae, Ommastrephidae).
F40 . . .	F40 . . .	F40 . . .
At least 32 mm	Whole area F41 ...	Directed fishing for Northern prawn (Pandalus borealis). A sorting grid with a maximum bar spacing of 19 mm or equivalent selectivity device shall be fitted.
At least 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for small pelagic species which are not covered elsewhere in the table. Directed fishing for Norway pout. A sorting grid with a maximum bar spacing of 35 mm in the Norway pout fishery shall be fitted. Directed fishing for common and Aesop shrimps. A separator trawl or sorting grid must be fitted in accordance with nationally or regionally established rules.
Less than 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for sandeel.

Textual Amendments

F38 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(iii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F39 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1 table inserted (24.10.2023) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1054), regs. 1(1), 2(3)

F40 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(iii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F41 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(iii)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2. Baseline mesh sizes for static nets and driftnets U.K.

2.1. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, vessels shall use a mesh size of at least 120 mm. U.K.

2.2. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, and notwithstanding point 2.1, vessels may use smaller mesh sizes as listed in the following table for the North Sea F42 ... provided that the associated conditions set out in that table are complied with and by-catches of cod, haddock and saithe do not exceed 20 % of the total catch in live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F42 Words in Annex 5 Pt. B point 2.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(b)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 100 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for haddock, whiting, dab and bass
At least 90 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for flatfish or species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table
At least 50 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for small pelagic species which are not covered elsewhere in the table

PART C U.K. Closed or restricted areas

1. Closure of an area to protect sandeel in ICES divisions 4a and 4b U.K.

1.1. Fishing for sandeel with any towed gear with a codend mesh size less than 32 mm shall be prohibited within the geographical area bounded by the east coast of England and Scotland, and enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system: U.K.

• the east coast of England at latitude 55°30′ N

• 55°30′ N, 01°00′ W

• 58°00′ N, 01°00′ W

• 58°00′ N, 02°00′ W

• the east coast of Scotland at longitude 02°00′ W.

1.2. Fisheries for scientific investigation shall be allowed in order to monitor the sandeel stock in the area and the effects of the closure. U.K.

F43 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F43 Annex 5 Pt. C point 2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

3. Restrictions on the use of beam trawls within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the United Kingdom U.K.

3.1. Vessels shall be prohibited from using any beam trawl inside the areas within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the United Kingdom, measured from the baselines of the territorial waters. U.K.

3.2. By way of derogation from point 3.1, fishing with beam trawls within the specified area shall be permitted provided that: U.K.

• The engine power of the vessels does not exceed 221 Kw and their overall length does not exceed 24 m; and

• The beam length or aggregated beam length, measured as the sum of each beam, is no more than 9 m, or cannot be extended to a length greater than 9 m, except when directed fishing for common shrimp (Crangon crangon) with a minimum mesh size of less than 31 mm.

4. Restrictions on fishing for sprat to protect herring in ICES division 4b U.K.

Fishing with any towed gear with a codend mesh size of less than 32 mm or static nets less than 30 mm mesh size shall be prohibited within the geographical areas enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84, and during the following periods mentioned:

• from 1 January to 31 March, and from 1 October to 31 December, within ICES statistical area 39E8. For the purpose of this Regulation, that ICES area shall be the area bounded by a line due east from the east coast of the United Kingdom along latitude 55°00′ N to a point at longitude 1°00′ W, from there due north to a point at latitude 55°30′ N and from there due west to the United Kingdom coast;

• from 1 January to 31 March, and from 1 October to 31 December, within the inner waters of the Moray Firth west of longitude 3°30′ W, and in the inner waters of the Firth of Forth west of longitude 3°00′ W,

• F44 ...

Textual Amendments

F44 Words in Annex 5 Pt. C point 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F45 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F45 Annex 5 Pt. C point 5 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

6. Use of static nets in ICES [F46 division 4a] U.K.

6.1. In accordance with point (a) of Article 9(7) and by way of derogation from Part B Point 2 of this Annex, it shall be permitted to use the following gear in waters with a charted depth of less than 600 m: U.K.

• Bottom set gillnets used for directed fishing for hake of a mesh size of at least 100 mm and no more than 100 meshes deep, where the total length of all nets deployed does not exceed 25 km per vessel and the maximum soak time is 24 hours;

• Entangling nets used for directed fishing for anglerfish of a mesh size of at least 250 mm and no more than 15 meshes deep, where the total length of all nets deployed does not exceed 100 km and the maximum soak time is 72 hours.

6.2. Directed fishing for deepwater sharks as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/2336 of the European Parliament and of the Council(2) in charted depths of less than 600 m shall be prohibited. When accidentally caught, deepwater sharks classified as prohibited in this Regulation and other F47 ... legislation shall be recorded, unharmed to the extent possible, and shall be promptly released. Deepwater sharks subject to catch limits shall be retained on board. Such catches shall be landed and counted against quotas. F48 ... Where accidental catches of deepwater sharks by [F49 United Kingdom fishing vessels] exceed 10 tonnes then those vessels may no longer avail of the derogations set out in point 6.1. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F47 Word in Annex 5 Pt. C point 6.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(v)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F48 Words in Annex 5 Pt. C point 6.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(v)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F49 Words in Annex 5 Pt. C point 6.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(v)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Textual Amendments

F46 Words in Annex 5 Pt. C point 6 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(c)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

PART D U.K. The use of electric pulse trawls in ICES divisions 4b and 4c

1. Fishing with electric pulse trawl shall be prohibited in all [F50 United Kingdom] waters as of 1 July 2021. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F50 Words in Annex 5 Pt. D point 1 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2. During the transitional period ending 30 June 2021, [F51 a fisheries administration may authorise United Kingdom fishing vessels to fish] with electric pulse trawl in ICES divisions 4b and 4c F52 ... under the conditions set out in this [F53 Part] and any conditions defined in [F54 regulations made under Article 24 of this Regulation for the purpose specified in paragraph 4(b) of that Article], regarding the characteristics of the pulse used and control monitoring measures in place [F55 in United Kingdom waters of the area] south of a rhumb line joined by the following points, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 coordinate system: U.K.

• a point on east coast of the United Kingdom at latitude 55° N

• east to latitude 55° N, longitude 5° E

• north to latitude 56° N

• east to a point on the west coast of Denmark at latitude 56° N.

The following conditions shall apply:

(a)

no more than 5 % of [F56 all the beam trawlers in the United Kingdom fleet] use the electric pulse trawl;

(b)

the maximum electrical power in kW for each beam trawl is no more than the length in metres of the beam multiplied by 1,25;

(c)

the effective voltage between the electrodes is no more than 15 V;

(d)

the vessel is equipped with an automatic computer management system which records the maximum power used per beam and the effective voltage between electrodes for at least the last 100 tows. It is not possible for non-authorised personnel to modify this automatic computer management system;

(e)

it is prohibited to use one or more tickler chains in front of the footrope.

Textual Amendments

F56 Words in Annex 5 Pt. D point 2(a) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(ii)(ff); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Textual Amendments

F51 Words in Annex 5 Pt. D point 2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F52 Words in Annex 5 Pt. D point 2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F53 Word in Annex 5 Pt. D point 2 inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(ii)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F54 Words in Annex 5 Pt. D point 2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(ii)(dd); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F55 Words in Annex 5 Pt. D point 2 inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(ii)(ee); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

3. New licences shall not be granted to any vessel during this period. U.K.

F57 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F57 Annex 5 Pt. D point 4 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F58 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F58 Annex 5 Pt. D point 5 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(34)(d)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

ANNEX VI U.K. NORTH WESTERN WATERS

PART A U.K.

Minimum conservation reference sizes

a In ICES divisions 6a and 7a a minimum conservation reference size of total length of 70 mm and a carapace length of 20 mm shall apply.
b In ICES divisions 6a and 7a a minimum conservation reference size of 37 mm shall apply.
c In [F59 United Kingdom] waters in ICES sub-areas, 5, 6 south of 56° N and 7, except ICES divisions 7d, 7e and 7f, a minimum conservation reference size of 130 mm shall apply.
d For edible crabs caught in pots or creels, a maximum of 1 % by weight of the total catch of edible crab may consist of detached claws. For edible crabs caught with any other fishing gear, a maximum of 75 kg of detached crab claws may be landed.
e In ICES division 7a north of 52°30′ N, and ICES division 7d, a minimum conservation reference size of 110 mm shall apply.
f By way of derogation from Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the minimum conservation reference sizes of sardine, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel and mackerel shall not apply within a limit of 10 % by live weight of the total catches retained on board of each of those species. g [F60 For extensions to and exemptions from the minimum conservation reference size (including derogations from Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 (EUR 2013/1380)), see Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1627 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a multiannual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Regulation (EUR 2016/1627).]
Species	Whole area [F61 (unless otherwise specified)]
Cod (Gadus morhua)	35 cm
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)	30 cm
Saithe (Pollachius virens)	35 cm
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)	30 cm
Hake (Merluccius merluccius)	27 cm
Megrim (Lepidorhombus spp.)	20 cm
Sole (Solea spp.)	24 cm
Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)	27 cm
Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)	27 cm
Ling (Molva molva)	63 cm
Blue ling (Molva dypterygia)	70 cm
Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) Norway Lobster tails	Total length 85 mm, Carapace length 25 mma 46 mmb
Mackerel (Scomber spp.)	20 cmf
Herring (Clupea harengus)	20 cmf
Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)	15 cmf
Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)	12 cm or 90 individuals per kgf
Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)	42 cm
Sardine (Sardina pilchardus)	11 cmf
Red sea-bream (Pagellus bogaraveo)	33 cm
Lobster (Hommarus gammarus)	87 mm
Spinous spider crab (Maja squinado)	120 mm
Queen scallop (Chlamys spp.)	40 mm
Grooved carpetshell (Ruditapes decussatus)	40 mm
Carpetshell (Venerupis pullastra)	38 mm
Short-necked clam (Venerupis philippinarum)	35 mm
Clam (Venus verrucosa)	40 mm
Hard clam (Callista chione)	6 cm
Razor clam (Ensis spp.)	10 cm
Surf clams (Spisula solida)	25 mm
Donax clams (Donax spp.)	25 mm
Bean solen (Pharus legumen)	65 mm
Whelk (Buccinum undatum.)	45 mm
Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)	750 g
Crawfish (Palinurus spp.)	95 mm [F62 (in the English zone only a minimum conservation reference size of 110 mm shall apply)]
Deepwater rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris)	22 mm (carapace length)
Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)	140 mmc d
Scallop (Pecten maximus)	100 mme
[F60 Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)	115 cm or 30 kg]g
[F63 Lemon Sole (Microstomus kitt)	25cm applicable in ICES divisions 7d and 7e only
Turbot (Scophthalmus maximus)	30cm applicable in ICES divisions 7d and 7e only
Brill (Scophthalmus rhombus)	30cm applicable in ICES divisions 7d and 7e only]

Textual Amendments

F59 Words in Annex 6 Pt. A table footnote substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F60 Words in Annex 6 Pt. A table inserted (1.4.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/439), regs. 1(1), 8(4)

F61 Words in Annex 6 Pt. A table inserted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(4)(a)

F62 Words in Annex 6 Pt. A table inserted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(4)(b)

F63 Words in Annex 6 Pt. A table inserted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(4)(c)

The percentage of sardine, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel or mackerel below the minimum conservation reference size shall be calculated as the proportion by live weight of all marine organisms on board after sorting or on landing.

The percentage may be calculated on the basis of one or more representative samples. The limit of 10 % shall not be exceeded during transhipment, landing, transportation, storage, display or sale.

PART B U.K. Mesh sizes

1. Baseline mesh sizes for towed gear U.K.

1.1. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, vessels shall use a mesh size of at least 120 mm(3), or at least 100 mm in ICES sub-area [F64 7d–7j]. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F64 Words in Annex 6 Pt. B point 1.1 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

1.2. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, and notwithstanding point 1.1, vessels may use smaller mesh sizes as listed in the following table for the North Western waters provided that: U.K.

(i)

the associated conditions set out in that table are complied with, and by-catches of cod, haddock and saithe do not exceed 20 % of the total catch in live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip; or

(ii)

other selectivity modifications are used which have been [F65 authorised by a fisheries administration following scientific assessment and approval]. Those selectivity modifications shall result in the same or better selectivity characteristics for cod, haddock and saithe as that of 120 mm, or 100 mm in ICES sub-area [F66 7d]-7k, respectively.

Textual Amendments

F65 Words in Annex 6 Pt. B point 1.2(ii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(b)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F66 Word in Annex 6 Pt. B point 1.2(ii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(b)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

a This is without prejudice to Article 5 of Commission Regulation (EC) No 494/2002f.
b At least 70 mm mesh size shall apply for single rig vessels in ICES division 7a.
c This is without prejudice to Article 2(5) of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 737/2012g.
d This provision shall not apply to ICES division 7d.
e This provision shall not apply when directed fishing for whiting, mackerel and species not subject to catch limits in ICES divisions 7d and 7e.
f Commission Regulation (EC) No 494/2002 of 19 March 2002 establishing additional technical measures for the recovery of the stock of hake in ICES sub-areas III, IV, V, VI and VII and ICES divisions VIII a, b, d, e (OJ L 77, 20.3.2002, p. 8).
g Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 737/2012 of 14 August 2012 on the protection of certain stocks in the Celtic Sea (OJ L 218, 15.8.2012, p. 8).
Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 80 mma	ICES sub-area 7	Directed fishing for hake, megrim and anglerfish, or directed fishing for whiting, mackerel and species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table, using bottom trawls. A square mesh panel of at least 120 mm shall be fittedce Directed fishing for sole and species not covered by catch limits, using otter trawls. A square mesh panel of at least 80 mm shall be fittedc.
At least 80 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)b. A square mesh panel of at least 120 mm or sorting grid with a maximum bar spacing of 35 mm or equivalent selectivity device shall be fitted.
At least 80 mm	ICES divisions 7a, F67 ... 7d, 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h and 7j	Directed fishing for sole with beam trawls. A panel with a mesh size of at least 180 mmd fitted in the upper half of the anterior part of the net shall be fitted.
At least 80 mm	ICES divisions 7d and 7e	Directed fishing for whiting, mackerel and species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table, using bottom trawls.
At least 40 mm	Whole area [F68 excluding waters within the English zone]	Directed fishing for squid (Lolignidae, Ommastrephidae)
At least 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for small pelagic species which are not covered elsewhere in the table. Directed fishing for common and Aesop shrimps. A separator trawl or sorting grid must be fitted in accordance with nationally established rules
Less than 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for sandeel
[F69 At least 100mm	ICES divisions 7d and 7e	Directed fishing for all species using flyseining gear]

Textual Amendments

F67 Word in Annex 6 Pt. B point 1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(b)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F68 Words in Annex 6 Pt. B point 1 table inserted (24.10.2023) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2023 (S.I. 2023/1054), regs. 1(1), 2(4)

F69 Words in Annex 6 Pt. B point 1 table inserted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(5)

2. Baseline mesh sizes for static nets and driftnets U.K.

2.1. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, vessels shall use a mesh size of at least 120 mm(4). U.K.

2.2. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, and notwithstanding point 2.1, vessels may use smaller mesh sizes as listed in the following table for the North Western waters provided that the associated conditions set out in that table are complied with, and by-catches of cod, haddock and saithe do not exceed 20 % of the total catch in live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip. U.K.

a In division 7d, [F70 with the exception of directed fishing for bass,] at least 90 mm shall apply.
Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 100 mma	Whole area	Directed fishing for flatfish or species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table Directed fishing for whiting, dab and bass
At least 50 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for small pelagic species which are not covered elsewhere in the table Directed fishing for red mullet

Textual Amendments

F70 Words in Annex 6 Pt. B point 2 table footnote inserted (31.12.2021) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment etc.) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/1429), regs. 1(1), 7(2)

3. This Part is without prejudice to Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/2034(5), for the fisheries covered by that Delegated Regulation. U.K.

PART C U.K. Closed or restricted areas

1. Closed area for the conservation of cod in ICES division 6a U.K.

From 1 January to 31 March, and from 1 October to 31 December, each year, it shall be prohibited to conduct any fishing activity using any towed gear or static nets in the area enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 coordinate system:

• 55°25′ N, 7°07′ W

• 55°25′ N, 7°00′ W

• 55°18′ N, 6°50′ W

• 55°17′ N, 6°50′ W

• 55°17′ N, 6°52′ W

• 55°25′ N, 7°07 W.

2. Closed area for the conservation of cod in ICES divisions 7f and 7g U.K.

2.1. From 1 February to 31 March each year, it shall be prohibited to conduct any fishing activity in the following ICES statistical rectangles: 30E4, 31E4 [F71 and United Kingdom waters of] 32E3. This prohibition shall not apply within 6 nautical miles from the baseline. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F71 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 2.1 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2.2.

It shall be permitted to conduct fishing activities using pots and creels within the specified areas and time periods, provided that:

(i)

no fishing gear other than pots and creels are carried on board; and

(ii)

by-catches of a species subject to the landing obligation are landed and counted against quotas.

2.3. Directed fishing for small pelagic species with towed gear with a mesh size less than 55 mm shall be permitted, provided that: U.K.

(i)

no net of mesh size greater than or equal to 55 mm is carried on board; and

(ii)

by-catches of a species subject to the landing obligation are landed and counted against quotas.

3. Closed area for the conservation of cod in ICES division 7a U.K.

3.1.

In the period from 14 February to 30 April each year it shall be prohibited to use any dermersal trawl, seine or similar towed net, any gillnet, entangling net or trammel net or any fishing gear incorporating hooks [F72 in United Kingdom waters] within that part of ICES division 7a enclosed by the east coast of Ireland and the east coast of Northern Ireland and straight lines sequentially joining the following geographical coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 coordinate system:

• a point on the east coast of the Ards peninsula in Northern Ireland at 54°30′ N

• 54°30′ N, 04°50′ W

• 53°15′ N, 04°50′ W

• a point on the east coast of Ireland at 53°15′ N.

Textual Amendments

F72 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 3.1 inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

3.2. By way of derogation from point 1, within the area and time period referred to therein the use of demersal trawls shall be permitted provided such trawls are fitted with selective devices that have been [F73 approved by a fisheries administration following scientific assessment and approval]. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F73 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 3.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

4. Rockall haddock box in ICES sub-area 6 U.K.

All fishing, except with longlines, shall be prohibited in [F74 United Kingdom waters of] the areas enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system:

Textual Amendments

F74 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 4 inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

• 57°00′ N, 15°00′ W

• 57°00′ N, 14°00′ W

• 56°30′ N, 14°00′ W

• 56°30′ N, 15°00′ W

• 57°00′ N, 15°00′ W.

F75 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F75 Annex 6 Pt. C point 5 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(v); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

6. Special rules for the protection of blue ling in ICES division 6a U.K.

6.1. From 1 March to 31 May each year directed fishing for blue ling shall be prohibited in the areas of ICES division 6a enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system: U.K.

Edge of Scottish continental shelf

• 59°58′ N, 07°00′ W

• 59°55′ N, 06°47′ W

• 59°51′ N, 06°28′ W

• 59°45′ N, 06°38′ W

• 59°27′ N, 06°42′ W

• 59°22′ N, 06°47′ W

• 59°15′ N, 07°15′ W

• 59°07′ N, 07°31′ W

• 58°52′ N, 07°44′ W

• 58°44′ N, 08°11′ W

• 58°43′ N, 08°27′ W

• 58°28′ N, 09°16′ W

• 58°15′ N, 09°32′ W

• 58°15′ N, 09°45′ W

• 58°30′ N, 09°45′ W

• 59°30′ N, 07°00′ W

• 59°58′ N, 07°00′ W

Edge of Rosemary bank

• 60°00′ N, 11°00′ W

• 59°00′ N, 11°00′ W

• 59°00′ N, 09°00′ W

• 59°30′ N, 09°00′ W

• 59°30′ N, 10°00′ W

• 60°00′ N, 10°00′ W

• 60°00′ N, 11°00′ W

Not including the area enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system:

• 59°15′ N, 10°24′ W

• 59°10′ N, 10°22′ W

• 59°08′ N, 10°07′ W

• 59°11′ N, 09°59′ W

• 59°15′ N, 09°58′ W

• 59°22′ N, 10°02′ W

• 59°23′ N, 10°11′ W

• 59°20′ N, 10°19′ W

• 59°15′ N, 10°24′ W.

6.2. A by-catch of blue ling up to a threshold of 6 tonnes may be retained on board and landed. Once a vessel reaches this six-tonne threshold of blue ling: U.K.

(a)

it shall immediately cease fishing and exit the area in which it is present;

(b)

it may not re-enter either of the areas until its catch has been landed;

(c)

it may not return to the sea any quantity of blue ling.

F76 6.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F76 Annex 6 Pt. C point 6.3 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(vi); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

7. Restrictions on fishing for mackerel in ICES divisions 7e, 7f, 7g and 7h U.K.

7.1. Directed fishing for mackerel with towed gear with a codend mesh size of less than 80 mm or with purse seines shall be prohibited, except where the weight of the mackerel does not exceed 15 % by live weight of the total quantities of mackerel and other marine organisms on board which have been caught, [F77 in United Kingdom waters] within the area enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system: U.K.

• a point on the south coast of the United Kingdom at 02°00′ W

• 49° 30′ N, 2° 00′ W

• 49° 30′ N, 7° 00′ W

• 52° 00′ N, 7° 00′ W

• a point on the west coast of the United Kingdom at 52° 00′ N.

Textual Amendments

F77 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 7.1 inserted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(vii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

7.2. It shall be permitted to fish within the area defined in point 7.1 with: U.K.

• static nets and/or hand lines;

• demersal trawls, Danish seines or other similar towed nets, with a mesh size greater than 80 mm.

7.3. Vessels which are not equipped for fishing and to which mackerel are being transhipped shall be permitted within the area defined in point 7.1. U.K.

8. Restrictions on the use of beam trawls within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the United Kingdom F78 ... U.K.

8.1. The use of any beam trawl of mesh size less than 100 mm shall be prohibited in ICES division 5b and ICES sub-area 6 north of latitude 56°N. U.K.

8.2. Vessels shall be prohibited from using any beam trawl inside the areas within 12 nautical miles of the coasts of the United Kingdom F79 ..., measured from the baselines from which the territorial waters are measured. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F79 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 8.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(ix); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

8.3. Fishing with beam trawls within the specified area shall be permitted provided that: U.K.

• The engine power of the vessels does not exceed 221 Kw and their length does not exceed 24 m; and

• The beam length or aggregated beam length, measured as the sum of each beam, is no more than 9 m, or cannot be extended to a length greater than 9 m, except when directed fishing for common shrimp (Crangon crangon) with a codend mesh size of less than 31 mm.

Textual Amendments

F78 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 8 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(viii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

9. Use of static nets in ICES divisions 5b, 6a, 6b, F80 ... 7h [F81 and 7j] U.K.

9.1. In accordance with point (a) of Article 9(7) and by way of derogation from Part B, Point 2 of this Annex, it shall be permitted to use the following gear in waters with a charted depth of less than 600 m: U.K.

• Bottom set gillnets used for directed fishing for hake with a mesh size of at least 100 mm and no more than 100 meshes deep, where the total length of all nets deployed does not exceed 25 km per vessel and the maximum soak time is 24 hours.

• Entangling nets used for directed fishing for anglerfish with a mesh size of at least 250 mm and no more than 15 meshes deep, where the total length of all nets deployed does not exceed 100 km and the maximum soak time is 72 hours.

9.2. Directed fishing for deepwater sharks as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/2336 in charted depths of less than 600 m shall be prohibited. When accidentally caught, deepwater sharks classified as prohibited in this Regulation and other F82 ... legislation shall be recorded, unharmed to the extent possible, and shall be promptly released. Deepwater sharks subject to catch limits shall be retained on board. Such catches shall be landed and counted against quotas. F83 ... Where accidental catches of deepwater sharks by [F84 United Kingdom fishing vessels] exceed 10 tonnes then those vessels may no longer avail of the derogations set out in point 9.1. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F82 Word in Annex 6 Pt. C point 9.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(xi)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F83 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 9.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(xi)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F84 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 9.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(xi)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Textual Amendments

F80 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 9 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(x)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F81 Words in Annex 6 Pt. C point 9 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(35)(c)(x)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

[F85 10. Restrictions on the engine power of vessels using flyseining gear within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the United Kingdom in ICES divisions 7d and 7e U.K.

Vessels are prohibited from using flyseining gear within 12 nautical miles of the coast of the United Kingdom in ICES divisions 7d and 7e, measured from the baselines from which the territorial waters are measured, unless the engine power of the vessels does not exceed 221 kW.]

Textual Amendments

F85 Annex 6 Pt. C point 10 inserted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(6)

ANNEX VII U.K. SOUTH WESTERN WATERS

PART A U.K. Minimum conservation reference sizes

a F86 . . .
b F86 . . .
c F86 . . .
d In [F87 United Kingdom] waters in ICES [F88 sub-area 8] a minimum conservation reference size of 130 mm shall apply.
e For edible crabs caught in pots or creels, a maximum of 1 % by weight of the total catch of edible crab may consist of detached claws. For edible crabs caught with any other fishing gear, a maximum of 75 kg of detached crab claws may be landed.
f By way of derogation from Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, the minimum conservation reference sizes of sardine, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel and mackerel shall not apply within a limit of 10 % by live weight of the total catches retained on board of each of those species. The percentage of sardine, anchovy, herring, horse mackerel or mackerel below the minimum conservation reference size shall be calculated as the proportion by live weight of all marine organisms on board after sorting or on landing. The percentage may be calculated on the basis of one or more representative samples. The limit of 10 % shall not be exceeded during transhipment, landing, transportation, storage, display or sale.
g No more than 5 % may consist of horse mackerel between 12 and 15 cm. For the purposes of the control of that quantity, the conversion factor to be applied to the weight of the catches shall be 1,20. These provisions shall not apply for catches subject to the landing obligation. h [F89 For extensions to and exemptions from the minimum conservation reference size (including derogations from Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013 (EUR 2013/1380)), see Article 14 of Regulation (EU) 2016/1627 of the European Parliament and of the Council on a multiannual recovery plan for bluefin tuna in the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Regulation (EUR 2016/1627).]
Species	Whole area
Cod (Gadus morhua)	35 cm
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)	30 cm
Saithe (Pollachius virens)	35 cm
Pollack (Pollachius pollachius)	30 cm
Hake (Merluccius merluccius)	27 cm
Megrim (Lepidorhombus spp.)	20 cm
Sole (Solea spp.)	24 cm
Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa)	27 cm
Whiting (Merlangius merlangus)	27 cm
Ling (Molva molva)	63 cm
Blue ling (Molva dypterygia)	70 cm
Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus)	Total length 70 mm, Carapace length 20 mm
Norway Lobster tails	37 mm
Mackerel (Scomber spp.)	20 cmf
Herring (Clupea harengus)	20 cmf
Horse mackerel (Trachurus spp.)	15 cm F86 . . . f g
Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus)	12 cm or 90 individuals per kg F86 . . . f
Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)	36 cm
Sardine (Sardina pilchardus)	11 cmf
Red sea-bream (Pagellus bogaraveo)	33 cm
Lobster (Hommarus gammarus)	87 mm
Spinous spider crab (Maja squinado)	120 mm
Queen scallop (Chlamys spp.)	40 mm
Grooved carpetshell (Ruditapes decussatus)	40 mm
Carpetshell (Venerupis pullastra)	38 mm
Short-necked clam (Venerupis philippinarum)	35 mm
Clam (Venus verrucosa)	40 mm
Hard clam (Callista chione)	6 cm
Razor clam (Ensis spp.)	10 cm
Surf clams (Spisula solida)	25 mm
Donax clams (Donax spp.)	25 mm
Bean solen (Pharus legumen)	65 mm
Whelk (Buccinum undatum.)	45 mm
Octopus (Octopus vulgaris)	750 g F86 . . .
Crawfish (Palinurus spp.)	[F90 110]  mm
Deepwater rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris)	22 mm (carapace length)
Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)	140 mmd e
Scallop (Pecten maximus)	100 mm
[F89 Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)	115 cm or 30 kg]h

Textual Amendments

F86 Annex 7 Pt. A table footnotes omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F87 Words in Annex 7 Pt. A table footnote substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(a)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F88 Words in Annex 7 Pt. A table footnote substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(a)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F89 Words in Annex 7 Pt. A table inserted (1.4.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/439), regs. 1(1), 8(5)

F90 Word in Annex 7 Pt. A table substituted (16.12.2024) by The Sea Fisheries (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/1028), regs. 1(1), 2(7)

PART B U.K. Mesh sizes

1. Baseline mesh sizes for towed gear U.K.

1.1. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, vessels shall use a mesh size of at least 70 mm(6)M1 F91 ... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F91 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 1.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Marginal Citations

M1 For directed fishing for Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus), a square mesh panel of at least 100 mm or equivalent selectivity device shall be fitted when fishing in ICES [division 8d]. For directed fishing for sole with beam trawls, a panel with a mesh size of at least 180 mm fitted in the upper half of the anterior part of the net shall be fitted. [Editorial note: Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 1.1 footnote substituted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(iii)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)]

1.2. Without prejudice to the landing obligation and notwithstanding point 2.1, vessels may use smaller mesh sizes as listed in the following table for South Western waters provided that: U.K.

(i)

the associated conditions set out in that table are complied with, and by-catches of hake do not exceed 20 % of the total catch in live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip; or

(ii)

other selectivity modifications are used which have been [F92 approved by a fisheries administration following scientific assessment and approval]. Those selectivity modifications shall result in the same or better selectivity characteristics for hake as that of 70 mm F93 ....

Textual Amendments

F92 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 1.2(ii) substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F93 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 1.2(ii) omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 55mm	Whole area F94 ...	Directed fishing for species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table Directed fishing for red sea bream Directed fishing for mackerel, horse mackerel and blue whiting with bottom trawls
At least 35mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for wedge sole
F95 . . .	F95 . . .	F95 . . .
At least 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for small pelagic species which are not covered elsewhere in the table Directed fishing for shrimps (Palaemon serratus, Crangon crangon), and crab (Polybius henslowi)
Less than 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for sandeel

Textual Amendments

F94 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(iii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F95 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(iii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2. Baseline mesh sizes for static nets and driftnets U.K.

2.1. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, vessels shall use a mesh size of at least 100 mm(7)F96 ... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F96 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 2.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2.2. Without prejudice to the landing obligation, and notwithstanding point 2.1, vessels may use smaller mesh sizes as listed in the following table for the South Western waters provided that the associated conditions set out in that table are complied with, and by-catches of hake do not exceed 20 % of the total catch in live weight of all marine biological resources landed after each fishing trip. U.K.

a A mesh size of less than 40 mm may be used for sardines.
Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 80 mm	Whole area F97 ...	Directed fishing for sea bass, whiting, turbot, flounder and pollack
At least 60 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for species not subject to catch limits and which are not covered elsewhere in the table
At least 50 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for small pelagic speciesa which are not covered elsewhere in the table
At least 40 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for red mullet, shrimps (Penaeus spp.), mantis shrimp, wedge sole and wrasse

Textual Amendments

F97 Words in Annex 7 Pt. B point 2 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(b)(v); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

PART C U.K. Closed or restricted areas

F98 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F98 Annex 7 Pt. C point 1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F99 2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F99 Annex 7 Pt. C point 2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F100 3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F100 Annex 7 Pt. C point 3 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

4. Use of static nets in [F101 United Kingdom waters of ICES division 8d] U.K.

4.1. In accordance with point (a) of Article 9(7) and by way of derogation from Part B, Point 2 of this Annex, it shall be permitted to use the following gear in waters with a charted depth of less than 600 m: U.K.

• Bottom set gillnets used for directed fishing for hake of a mesh size of at least [F102 100mm in United Kingdom waters of ICES division 8d] and no more than 100 meshes deep, where the total length of all nets deployed does not exceed 25 km per vessel and the maximum soak time is 24 hours.

• Entangling nets used for directed fishing for anglerfish of a mesh size of at least 250 mm and no more than 15 meshes deep, where the total length of all nets deployed does not exceed 100 km and the maximum soak time is 72 hours.

• F103 ...

Textual Amendments

F102 Words in Annex 7 Pt. C point 4.1 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(iii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F103 Words in Annex 7 Pt. C point 4.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(iii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

4.2. Directed fishing for deepwater sharks as listed in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/2336 in charted depths of less than 600 m shall be prohibited. When accidentally caught, deepwater sharks classified as prohibited in this Regulation and other F104 ... legislation shall be recorded, unharmed to the extent possible, and shall be promptly released. Deepwater sharks subject to catch limits shall be retained on board. Such catches shall be landed and counted against quotas. F105 ... Where accidental catches of deepwater sharks by [F106 United Kingdom fishing vessels] exceed 10 tonnes then those vessels may no longer avail of the derogations set out in point 4.1. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F104 Word in Annex 7 Pt. C point 4.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(iv)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F105 Words in Annex 7 Pt. C point 4.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(iv)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F106 Words in Annex 7 Pt. C point 4.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(iv)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F107 4.3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.K.

Textual Amendments

F107 Annex 7 Pt. C point 4.3 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(v); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Textual Amendments

F101 Words in Annex 7 Pt. C point 4 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(36)(c)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F108 ANNEX VIII U.K. BALTIC SEA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F108 Annexes 8-11 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(37); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F108 ANNEX IX U.K. MEDITERRANEAN SEA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F108 ANNEX X U.K. BLACK SEA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F108 ANNEX XI U.K. UNION WATERS IN THE INDIAN OCEAN AND THE WEST ATLANTIC

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ANNEX XII U.K. NEAFC REGULATORY AREA

PART A U.K. Minimum conservation reference sizes

Species	NEAFC
Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)	30 cm
Ling (Molva molva)	63 cm
Blue ling (Molva dipterygia)	70 cm
Mackerel (Scomber spp.)	30 cm
Herring (Clupea harengus)	20 cm

PART B U.K. Mesh sizes

1. Baseline mesh sizes for towed gear U.K.

The following codend mesh sizes shall apply in the NEAFC Regulatory Area.

Codend Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 100 mm	Whole area	None
At least 35 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for blue whiting
At least 32 mm	ICES sub-areas 1 and 2	Directed fishing for Northern prawn (Pandalus borealis). A sorting grid with a maximum bar spacing of 22 shall be fitted
At least 16 mm	Whole area	Directed fishing for mackerel, capelin and argentines

2. Baseline mesh sizes for static nets U.K.

The following mesh sizes for static nets shall apply in the NEAFC Regulatory Area.

Mesh Size	Geographical Areas	Conditions
At least 220 mm	Whole area	None

PART C U.K. Closed or restricted areas

1. Measures for the redfish fishery in the Irminger Sea and adjacent waters U.K.

1.1. It shall be prohibited to catch redfish in international waters of ICES sub-area 5 F109 .... U.K.

By way of derogation from the first subparagraph, it shall be permitted to catch redfish from 11 May to 31 December in the area enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system (the ‘Redfish Conservation Area’):

• 64°45′ N, 28°30′ W

• 62°50′ N, 25°45′ W

• 61°55′ N, 26°45′ W

• 61°00′ N, 26°30′ W

• 59°00′ N, 30°00′ W

• 59°00′ N, 34°00′ W

• 61°30′ N, 34°00′ W

• 62°50′ N, 36°00′ W

• 64°45′ N, 28°30′ W.

Textual Amendments

F109 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 1.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(i); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

1.2. Notwithstanding point 1.1, a fishery for redfish may be permitted, by [F110 regulations made by a fisheries administration], outside the Redfish Conservation Area in the Irminger Sea and adjacent waters from 11 May to 31 December each year on the basis of scientific advice and provided that NEAFC has established a recovery plan in respect of redfish in that geographical area. Only [F111 United Kingdom vessels] that have been duly authorised by [F112 a fisheries administration] and notified F113 ... as required under Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1236/2010 shall participate in this fishery. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F110 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 1.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(ii)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F111 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 1.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(ii)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F112 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 1.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(ii)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F113 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 1.2 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(ii)(dd); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

1.3. It shall be prohibited to use trawls with a mesh size of less than 100 mm. U.K.

1.4. The conversion factor to be applied to the gutted and headed presentation, including the Japanese cut presentation, of redfish caught in this fishery shall be 1,70. U.K.

1.5. Masters of fishing vessels engaged in the fishery outside the Redfish Conservation Area shall transmit the catch report provided for in point (b) of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1236/2010 on a daily basis after the fishing operations of that calendar day have been completed. It shall indicate the catches on board taken since the last communication of catches. U.K.

1.6. In addition to Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1236/2010, an authorisation to fish for redfish shall only be valid if the reports transmitted by vessels are in accordance with Article 9(1) of that Regulation and are recorded in accordance with Article 9(3) thereof. U.K.

1.7. The reports referred to in point 1.6 shall be made in accordance with the relevant rules. U.K.

2. Special rules for the protection of blue ling U.K.

2.1. From 1 March to 31 May each year it shall be prohibited to retain on board any quantity of blue ling in excess of 6 tonnes per fishing trip in the areas of ICES division 6a enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system: U.K.

(a)

Edge of Scottish continental shelf

• 59°58′ N, 07°00′ W

• 59°55′ N, 06°47′ W

• 59°51′ N, 06°28′ W

• 59°45′ N, 06°38′ W

• 59°27′ N, 06°42′ W

• 59°22′ N, 06°47′ W

• 59°15′ N, 07°15′ W

• 59°07′ N, 07°31′ W

• 58°52′ N, 07°44′ W

• 58°44′ N, 08°11′ W

• 58°43′ N, 08°27′ W

• 58°28′ N, 09°16′ W

• 58°15′ N, 09°32′ W

• 58°15′ N, 09°45′ W

• 58°30′ N, 09°45′ W

• 59°30′ N, 07°00′ W

• 59°58′ N, 07°00′ W;

(b)

Edge of Rosemary bank

• 60°00′ N, 11°00′ W

• 59°00′ N, 11°00′ W

• 59°00′ N, 09°00′ W

• 59°30′ N, 09°00′ W

• 59°30′ N, 10°00′ W

• 60°00′ N, 10°00′ W

• 60°00′ N, 11°00′ W

Not including the area enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system:

• 59°15′ N, 10°24′ W

• 59°10′ N, 10°22′ W

• 59°08′ N, 10°07′ W

• 59°11′ N, 09°59′ W

• 59°15′ N, 09°58′ W

• 59°22′ N, 10°02′ W

• 59°23′ N, 10°11′ W

• 59°20′ N, 10°19′ W

• 59°15′ N, 10°24′ W.

2.2. Where blue ling is subject to the landing obligation set out in Article 15 of Regulation (EU) No 1380/2013, point 2.1 shall not apply. U.K.

Fishing for blue ling using any fishing gear within the period and areas referred to in point 2.1 shall be prohibited.

2.3. When entering and exiting the areas referred to in point 2.1, the master of a fishing vessel shall record the date, time and place of entry and exit in the logbook. U.K.

2.4. In either of the two areas referred to in point 2.1, if a vessel reaches the 6 tonnes of blue ling: U.K.

(a)

it shall immediately cease fishing and exit the area in which it is present;

(b)

it may not re-enter either of the areas until its catch has been landed;

(c)

it may not return to the sea any quantity of blue ling.

2.5. The observers referred to in Article 16 of Regulation (EU) 2016/2336 who are assigned to fishing vessels present in one of the areas referred to in point 1 shall, for appropriate samples of the catches of blue ling, measure the fish in the samples and determine the stage of sexual maturity of subsampled fish. On the basis of [F114 scientific advice, a fisheries administration must] establish detailed protocols for sampling and for the collation of results. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F114 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 2.5 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2.6. From 15 February to 15 April each year, it shall be prohibited to use bottom trawls, longlines and gillnets within an area enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system: U.K.

• 60°58.76′ N, 27°27.32′ W

• 60°56.02′ N, 27°31.16′ W

• 60°59.76′ N, 27°43.48′ W

• 61°03.00′ N, 27°39.41′ W

• 60°58.76′ N, 27°27.32′ W.

3. Measures for the redfish fishery in international waters of ICES sub-areas 1 and 2 U.K.

3.1. Directed fishing for redfish in the international waters of ICES sub-areas 1 and 2 shall only be permitted within the period from 1 July to 31 December each year by vessels which have previously been engaged in the redfish fishery in the NEAFC Regulatory Area. U.K.

3.2. Vessels shall limit their by-catches of redfish in other fisheries to a maximum of 1 % of the total catch retained on board. U.K.

3.3. The conversion factor to be applied to the gutted and headed presentation, including the Japanese cut presentation, of redfish caught in this fishery shall be 1,70. U.K.

3.4. By way of derogation from point (b) of Article 9(1) of Regulation (EU) No 1236/2010, masters of fishing vessels engaged in this fishery shall report their catches on a daily basis. U.K.

3.5. In addition to Article 5 of Regulation (EU) No 1236/2010, an authorisation to fish for redfish shall only be valid if the reports transmitted by vessels are in accordance with Article 9(1) of that Regulation and are recorded in accordance with Article 9(3) thereof. U.K.

3.6. [F115 A fisheries administration must] ensure that scientific information is collected by scientific observers on board vessels [F116 within its fleet]. As a minimum, the information collected shall include representative data on sex, age and length composition by depths. This information shall be reported to ICES F117 .... U.K.

Textual Amendments

F115 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 3.6 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(iv)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F116 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 3.6 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(iv)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F117 Words in Annex 12 Pt. C point 3.6 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(iv)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

3.7. [F118 A fisheries administration must prohibit directed fishery for redfish in the waters referred to in point 3.1 from the date that it is notified by the NEAFC Secretariat that the total allowable catch has been fully utilised.] U.K.

Textual Amendments

F118 Annex 12 Pt. C point 3.7 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(a)(v); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

4. Rockall haddock box in ICES sub-area 6 U.K.

All fishing, except with longlines, shall be prohibited in the areas enclosed by sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system:

• 57°00′ N, 15°00′ W

• 57°00′ N, 14°00′ W

• 56°30′ N, 14°00′ W

• 56°30′ N, 15°00′ W

• 57°00′ N, 15°00′ W.

PART D U.K. Closed areas for the protection of sensitive habitats

1. It shall be prohibited to conduct bottom trawling and fishing with static gear, including bottom set gillnets and bottom set longlines, within the following areas sequentially joining with rhumb lines the following coordinates, which shall be measured according to the WGS84 system: U.K.

Part of the Reykjanes Ridge:

• 55°04.5327′ N, 36°49.0135′ W

• 55°05.4804′ N, 35°58.9784′ W

• 54°58.9914′ N, 34°41.3634′ W

• 54°41.1841′ N, 34°00.0514′ W

• 54°00′ N, 34°00′ W

• 53°54.6406′ N, 34°49.9842′ W

• 53°58.9668′ N, 36°39.1260′ W

• 55°04.5327′ N, 36°49.0135′ W

Northern MAR Area:

• 59°45′ N, 33°30′ W

• 57°30′ N, 27°30′ W

• 56°45′ N, 28°30′ W

• 59°15′ N, 34°30′ W

• 59°45′ N, 33°30′ W

Middle MAR Area (Charlie-Gibbs Fracture zone and Subpolar Frontal Region):

• 53°30′ N, 38°00′ W

• 53°30′ N, 36°49′ W

• 55°04.5327′ N, 36°49′ W

• 54°58.9914′ N, 34°41.3634′ W

• 54°41.1841′ N, 34°00′ W

• 53°30′ N, 30°00′ W

• 51°30′ N, 28°00′ W

• 49°00′ N, 26°30′ W

• 49°00′ N, 30°30′ W

• 51°30′ N, 32°00′ W

• 51°30′ N, 38°00′ W

• 53°30′ N, 38°00′ W

Southern MAR Area:

• 44°30′ N, 30°30′ W

• 44°30′ N, 27°00′ W

• 43°15′ N, 27°15′ W

• 43°15′ N, 31°00′ W

• 44°30′ N, 30°30′ W

The Altair Seamounts:

• 45°00′ N, 34°35′ W

• 45°00′ N, 33°45′ W

• 44°25′ N, 33°45′ W

• 44°25′ N, 34°35′ W

• 45°00′ N, 34°35′ W

The Antialtair Seamounts:

• 43°45′ N, 22°50′ W

• 43°45′ N, 22°05′ W

• 43°25′ N, 22°05′ W

• 43°25′ N, 22°50′ W

• 43°45′ N, 22°50′ W

Hatton Bank:

• 59°26′ N, 14°30′ W

• 59°12′ N, 15°08′ W

• 59°01′ N, 17°00′ W

• 58°50′ N, 17°38′ W

• 58°30′ N, 17°52′ W

• 58°30′ N, 18°22′ W

• 58°03′ N, 18°22′ W

• 58°03′ N, 17°30′ W

• 57°55′ N, 17°30′ W

• 57°45′ N, 19°15′ W

• 58°11.15′ N, 18°57.51′ W

• 58°11.57′ N, 19°11.97′ W

• 58°27.75′ N, 19°11.65′ W

• 58°39.09′ N, 19°14.28′ W

• 58°38.11′ N, 19°01.29′ W

• 58°53.14′ N, 18°43.54′ W

• 59°00.29′ N, 18°01.31′ W

• 59°08.01′ N, 17°49.31′ W

• 59°08.75′ N, 18°01.47′ W

• 59°15.16′ N, 18°01.56′ W

• 59°24.17′ N, 17°31.22′ W

• 59°21.77′ N, 17°15.36′ W

• 59°26.91′ N, 17°01.66′ W

• 59°42.69′ N, 16°45.96′ W

• 59°20.97′ N, 15°44.75′ W

• 59°21′ N, 15°40′ W

• 59°26′ N, 14°30′ W

North-West Rockall:

• 57°00′ N, 14°53′ W

• 57°37′ N, 14°42′ W

• 57°55′ N, 14°24′ W

• 58°15′ N, 13°50′ W

• 57°57′ N, 13°09′ W

• 57°50′ N, 13°14′ W

• 57°57′ N, 13°45′ W

• 57°49′ N, 14°06′ W

• 57°29′ N, 14°19′ W

• 57°22′ N, 14°19′ W

• 57°00′ N, 14°34′ W

• 56°56′ N, 14°36′ W

• 56°56′ N, 14°51′ W

• 57°00′ N, 14°53′ W

South-West Rockall (Empress of Britain Bank):

Area 1

• 56°24′ N, 15°37′ W

• 56°21′ N, 14°58′ W

• 56°04′ N, 15°10′ W

• 55°51′ N, 15°37′ W

• 56°10′ N, 15°52′ W

• 56°24′ N, 15°37′ W

Area 2

• 55°56.90 N -16°11.30 W

• 55°58.20 N -16°11.30 W

• 55°58.30 N -16°02.80 W

• 55°56.90 N -16°02.80 W

• 55°56.90 N -16°11.30 W

Area 3

• 55°49.90 N -15°56.00 W

• 55°48.50 N -15°56.00 W

• 55°48.30 N -15°50.60 W

• 55°49.60 N -15°50.60 W

• 55°49.90 N -15°56.00 W

Edora’s bank

• 56°26.00 N -22°26.00 W

• 56°28.00 N -22°04.00 W

• 56°16.00 N -21°42.00 W

• 56°05.00 N -21°40.00 W

• 55°55.00 N -21°47.00 W

• 55°45.00 N -22°00.00 W

• 55°43.00 N -23°14.00 W

• 55°50.00 N -23°16.00 W

• 56°05.00 N -23°06.00 W

• 56°18.00 N -22°43.00 W

• 56°26.00 N -22°26.00 W

Southwest Rockall Bank

Area 1

• 55°58.16 N -16°13.18 W

• 55°58.24 N -16°02.56 W

• 55°54.86 N -16°05.55 W

• 55°58.16 N -16°13.18 W

Area 2

• 55°55.86 N -15°40.84 W

• 55°51.00 N -15°37.00 W

• 55°47.86 N -15°53.81 W

• 55°49.29 N -15°56.39 W

• 55°55.86 N -15°40.84 W

Hatton-Rockall Basin

Area 1

• 58°00.15 N-15°27.23 W

• 58°00.15 N -15°38.26 W

• 57°54.19 N -15°38.26 W

• 57°54.19 N -15°27.23 W

• 58°00.15 N -15°27.23 W

Area 2

• 58°06.46 N -16°37.15 W

• 58°15.93 N -16°28.46 W

• 58°06.77 N -16°10.40 W

• 58°03.43 N -16° 10.43 W

• 58°01.49 N -16°25.19 W

• 58°02.62 N -16°36.96 W

• 58°06.46 N -16°37.15 W

Hatton Bank 2

Area 1

• 57°51.76 N -18°05.87 W

• 57°55.00 N -17°30.00 W

• 58°03.00 N -17°30.00 W

• 57°53.10 N -16°56.33 W

• 57°35.11 N -18°02.01 W

• 57°51.76 N -18°05.87 W

Area 2

• 57°59.96 N -19°05.05 W

• 57°45.00 N -19°15.00 W

• 57°50.07 N -18°23.82 W

• 57°31.13 N -18°21.28 W

• 57°14.09 N -19°28.43 W

• 57°02.21 N -19°27.53 W

• 56°53.12 N -19°28.97 W

• 56°50.22 N -19°33.62 W

• 56°46.68 N -19°53.72 W

• 57°00.04 N -20°04.22 W

• 57°10.31 N -19°55.24 W

• 57°32.67 N -19°52.64 W

• 57°46.68 N -19°37.86 W

• 57°59.96 N -19°05.05 W

Logachev Mound:

• 55°17′ N, 16°10′ W

• 55°34′ N, 15°07′ W

• 55°50′ N, 15°15′ W

• 55°33′ N, 16°16′ W

• 55°17′ N, 16°10′ W

West Rockall Mound:

• 57°20′ N, 16°30′ W

• 57°05′ N, 15°58′ W

• 56°21′ N, 17°17′ W

• 56°40′ N, 17°50′ W

• 57°20′ N, 16°30′ W

2. Where, in the course of fishing operations in new and existing bottom fishing areas within the NEAFC Regulatory Area, the quantity of live coral or live sponge caught per gear set exceeds 60 kg of live coral and/or 800 kg of live sponge, the vessel shall inform [F119 a fisheries administration], cease fishing and move at least 2 nautical miles away from the position that the evidence suggests is closest to the exact location where this catch was made. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F119 Words in Annex 12 Pt. D point 2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(38)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

ANNEX XIII U.K. MITIGATION MEASURES TO REDUCE INCIDENTAL CATCHES OF SENSITIVE SPECIES

The following measures to monitor and reduce incidental catches of sensitive species shall apply:

1.

The measures set out in Parts A, B and C.

2.

[F120 A fisheries administration must] take the necessary steps to collect scientific data on incidental catches of sensitive species.

3.

[F121 As a result of scientific evidence, validated by ICES or a similar independent scientific body recognised at international level, of negative impacts of fishing gear on sensitive species, a fisheries administration may, by regulations made under Article 15, provide for additional mitigation measures for the reduction of incidental catches of the concerned species or in a concerned area.]

4.

[F122 A fisheries administration must] monitor and assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures established under this Annex.

Textual Amendments

F120 Words in Annex 13 point 2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(a); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F121 Annex 13 point 3 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(b); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F122 Words in Annex 13 point 4 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(c); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

PART A U.K. Cetaceans

1. Fisheries in which the use of acoustic deterrent devices is mandatory U.K.

1.1. It shall be prohibited for vessels with an overall length of 12 m or more to use the fishing gear in specific areas as defined below without the simultaneous use of active acoustic deterrent devices. U.K.

Area	Gear
F123 . . .	F123 . . .
F123 . . .	F123 . . .
ICES sub-area 4 F124 ...	Any bottom-set gill net or entangling net, or combination of these nets, the total length of which does not exceed 400 m
	Any bottom-set gillnet or entangling net ≥ 220 mm
ICES divisions 7e, 7f, 7g, 7h and 7j	Any bottom-set gillnet or entangling net
ICES division 7d	Any bottom-set gillnet or entangling net

Textual Amendments

F123 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 1.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(i)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F124 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 1.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(i)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

1.2. Point 1.1 shall not apply to fishing operations conducted solely for the purpose of scientific investigation which are carried out with the authorisation and under the authority of the [F125 fisheries administration] concerned and which aim at developing new technical measures to reduce the incidental capture or killing of cetaceans. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F125 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 1.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(ii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

1.3. [F126 A fisheries administration must] take necessary steps to monitor and assess by means of scientific studies or pilot projects, the effects of acoustic deterrent device use over time in the fisheries and areas concerned. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F126 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 1.3 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(iii); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2. Fisheries to be monitored U.K.

2.1. Monitoring schemes shall be undertaken on an annual basis and established for vessels F127 ... with an overall length of 15 m or more to monitor cetacean by-catch, for the fisheries and under the conditions defined below. U.K.

Area	Gear
ICES sub-areas 6, 7 and 8	Pelagic trawls (single and pair)
F128 . . .	F128 . . .
ICES divisions 6a, 7a, F129 ...	Bottom-set gillnet or entangling nets using mesh sizes equal to or greater than 80 mm
ICES sub area 4, ICES division 6a, and ICES sub-area 7 F130 ...	Driftnets
[F131 ICES sub-area 4]	Pelagic trawls (single and pair)
ICES sub-areas 6, 7, 8 F132 ...	High-opening trawls
F133 . . .	F133 . . .

Textual Amendments

F128 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(v)(aa); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F129 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(v)(bb); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F130 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(v)(cc); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F131 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 table substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(v)(dd); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F132 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(v)(ee); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F133 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 table omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(v)(ff); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Textual Amendments

F127 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.1 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(iv); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

2.2. Point 2.1 shall not apply to fishing operations conducted solely for the purpose of scientific investigation which are carried out with the authorisation and under the authority of the [F134 fisheries administration] concerned and which aim at developing new technical measures to reduce the incidental capture or killing of cetaceans. U.K.

Textual Amendments

F134 Words in Annex 13 Pt. A point 2.2 substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(d)(vi); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

PART B U.K. Seabirds

Where the data referred to in point 2 of the introductory paragraph of this Annex indicate a level of incidental catches of seabirds in specific fisheries which constitutes a serious threat to the conservation status of those seabirds, [F135 a fisheries administration must require the use of] bird scaring lines and/or weighted lines, if it is scientifically proven that such use has a conservation benefit in that area, and where practical and beneficial shall set longlines during the hours of darkness with the minimum of deck lighting necessary for safety.

Textual Amendments

F135 Words in Annex 13 Pt. B substituted (31.12.2020) by The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(e); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F136 PART C U.K. Marine turtles

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F136 Annex 13 Pt. C omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(39)(f); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F137 ANNEX XIV U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F137 Annex 14 omitted (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Common Fisheries Policy and Animals (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/1312), regs. 1(3), 5(40); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

(1)

For the purposes of this Annex:

• the Kattegat is limited in the north by a line drawn from Skagen Lighthouse to the lighthouse in Tistlarna, and from there to the nearest point on the Swedish coast, and in the south by a line drawn from Hasenøre Head to Gniben Point, from Korshage to Spodsbjerg, and from Gilbjerg Head to the Kullen,

• the Skagerrak is limited in the west by a line drawn from the lighthouse of Hanstholm to the lighthouse of Lindesnes, and in the south by a line drawn from Skagen Lighthouse to the lighthouse of Tistlarna, and from there to the nearest point on the Swedish coast,

• the North Sea shall comprise ICES sub-area 4, the adjacent part of ICES Division 2a lying south of latitude 64° N, and that part of ICES Division 3a which is not covered by the definition of Skagerrak given in the second indent.

(2)

Regulation (EU) 2016/2336 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2016 establishing specific conditions for fishing for deep-sea stocks in the north-east Atlantic and provisions for fishing in international waters of the north-east Atlantic and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 2347/2002 (OJ L 354, 23.12.2016, p. 1).

(3)

To be phased-in over a two-year period from the date of entry into force of this Regulation.

(4)

A mesh size of at least 220 mm shall be used when fishing for anglerfish. A mesh size of at least 110 mm shall be used when directed fishing for pollack and hake in ICES divisions 7d and 7e.

(5)

Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2018/2034 of 18 October 2018 establishing a discard plan for certain demersal fisheries in North-Western waters for the period 2019-2021 (OJ L 327, 21.12.2018, p. 8).

(6)

This provision is without prejudice to Article 2 of Regulation (EC) No 494/2002.

(7)

For directed fishing for anglerfish a mesh size of at least 220 mm shall be used.