Harmonisation of brown crab sizes across the South West update
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-11)

The decision on proposed harmonisation of brown crab minimum conservation reference sizes (MCRS) in English waters of the South West, has been published.

The proposal came from work delivered by Marine Management Organisation (MMO) on proposal three (the trial of finer scale management) of the Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan (FMP). (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crab-and-lobster-fisheries-management-plan-fmp-for-english-waters/crab-and-lobster-fisheries-management-plan#proposed-initial-management-interventions)

Given the support received during stakeholder meetings and in survey responses to the anticipated long-term benefits to crab stocks, the government has proposed the harmonisation of MCRS will be made a permanent measure in the South West.

Tim Dixon, Head of Fisheries Management, MMO, said:

We are pleased to see there was such overwhelming support from industry for harmonising minimum crab reference size and making it permanent. This will help to safeguard and maintain the species in the South West supporting MMO’s goal of creating sustainable fisheries for the long term.

The harmonisation measures mean brown crab MCRS in English waters of the South West will be 160mm for a male crab and 150mm for the female.

It will be introduced via a vessel licence condition from 1 February 2026 and apply to all UK and EU vessels using all gears.

The engagement survey, which ran in July and August, offered stakeholders the opportunity to share views on the proposal. 78 responses were received, 82% of respondents supported the measure. The survey also sought opinions on the online survey method that offered stakeholder the opportunity to respond using a mobile phone compared to traditional methods that require emailed responses. 77% of respondents preferred this style of consultation.

Editors Notes
- Brown crab is also known as edible crab.
- MCRS is sometimes referred to as minimum landing size (MLS).
- The South-West area is all English waters from mean high water to the extent of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), west of 2°.56.78W longitude and south of 52°0N latitude (map). See map illustration: South West brown crab MCRS area - FINAL (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/693ad5a15cc812f50aa4202e/South_West_Brown_Crab_MCRS_Area_-_FINAL.pdf) (PDF, 85.1 KB, 1 page)
South West crab stocks background:

The crab and lobster FMP draws on the best available evidence to assess the health of crab stocks across English waters. Current evidence suggests high exploitation rates, potentially exceeding levels needed to maintain stocks at maximum sustainable yield (MSY).

High levels of fishing pressure can deplete the spawning stock and impact recruitment, leading to reduced productivity and resilience.

Crab landings have been declining around the UK, most notably since 2020. In 2025 the South West saw a large increase in the number of common octopus (octopus vulgaris) which has likely led to a further decline this year.

There is a positive relationship between brown crab size and fertility. The harmonisation of MCRS may help the long-term health of the fishery in conjunction with other measures.

While there was recognition of the potential value of other measures (such as effort management), the South West Crab Trial Group has advised that these should not be progressed in 2025 due to current challenges relating to the octopus bloom.

MMO and Defra understand the importance of managing the crab stocks sustainably and will continue to work with industry through the implementation groups to progress effort management approaches as a priority.

MMO is improving our data and understanding of the impacts of the octopus bloom on the fishery to inform the development of management proposals.

Further information
- Further information on the trial management options, feedback from the South West Crab Trial Group and MCRS decision documents are available on the South West Regional Fisheries Group (RFG) (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regional-fisheries-groups-south-west-7efg) website.
- Crab and lobster fisheries management plan (FMP) for English waters - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crab-and-lobster-fisheries-management-plan-fmp-for-english-waters)
- Crab and lobster FMP – Fisheries Management Plans (https://defrafmp.blog.gov.uk/tag/crab-and-lobster-fmp/) blog