Regional Fisheries Groups – South West 7efg
Source: gov.uk (2025-11-13)

This area covers ICES areas 7e, 7f and 7g; from St Alban’s Head, round the coast of Cornwall, including the Isles of Scilly and up to Bristol.

Back to RFG homepage (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/regional-fisheries-groups)

Southwest Octopus bloom – update 10 November 2025

We recognise the disruption the octopus bloom is causing to crab, lobster, and scallop fisheries in the region.

Following initial meetings with regulators, scientists and stakeholders a number of actions are being progressed in response to the Southwest Octopus bloom.

Gathering insights

MMO is monitoring landings of octopus, as well as key stocks impacted by in increased presence of octopus, such as crab, lobster, scallops, crawfish and whelks. Landings data has been presented in the infographics below and will be routinely updated.

Octopus & Shellfish Infographic 2025 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6915c48c493305b49ce6e750/10112025_Octopus__Shellfish_Infographic.pdf) (PDF, 265 KB, 1 page)

MMO hosted another meeting with scientists, regulators and industry representatives on August 6th to provide an update on the current situation regarding octopus, as well as next steps with research and potential management needs.

Following industry feedback, the MMO has taken the decision to engage through existing meetings and attend where MMO presence is requested.

MMO have set up a mailbox for stakeholders to be able to provide their information and data: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

You can read the meeting notes here:

(https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6894b4e9a6eb81a3f9b2e26e/2025-08-06_Octopus_Bloom_Stakeholder_Update_Minutes_EXTERNAL.pdf)

Octopus Bloom 2025 – Stakeholder note (August) 06.08.25 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6894b4e9a6eb81a3f9b2e26e/2025-08-06_Octopus_Bloom_Stakeholder_Update_Minutes_EXTERNAL.pdf)

PDF, 272 KB, 10 pages

MMO and Defra are considering how best to engage with the EU to learn from existing octopus fisheries.

Meeting with processors

MMO met with processors who are facing the impacts of declining shellfish catches. This meeting allowed stakeholders to share the impacts they’ve observed as a result of the increased abundance of octopus in the southwest, as well as a general decline of crab in other areas. Stakeholders also discussed the opportunity for support for processors, resulting in an action to develop and circulate a survey, to gather further views on the state of the crab fishery at the moment and collate ideas on potential funding opportunities. This survey is ready and can be accessed below.

SURVEY - MMO South West Merchant and Supply Chain

MMO designed a survey to better understand the wider implications on supply chain businesses and operators, as well as broader perspectives on both the challenges and opportunities it presents.

The insights gathered will inform future discussions around octopus management and an executive summary of the findings will be shared with stakeholders. This survey has now closed and responses are being considered.

A privacy notice can be found here:

MMO Privacy Notice Supply Chain Octopus Bloom Survey (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6878f92a2bad77c3dae4dd99/MMO_Privacy_Notice_Supply_Chain_Octopus_Bloom_Survey.pdf) (PDF, 90.7 KB, 2 pages)

SURVEYS – Marine Biological Association Fishermen & Divers

The Marine Biological Association (MBA), along with the University of Plymouth, the Plymouth Marine Laboratory and an independent consultant, have been commissioned to investigate the history and potential environmental causes of octopus blooms, the effects they are having on the fishing industry, and the potential for such blooms to happen again in the future.

As part of this work, the MBA has launched two public surveys to gather vital information on the unusual surge in common octopus numbers reported in the waters off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall this year.

Octopus - Fishermen survey (https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90884550/Octopus-Fisherman-survey) Octopus - Divers survey (https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/90886025/Octopus-Divers-survey)

Develop wider understanding

MMO has published findings of an evidence study on the feasibility of a targeted octopus fishery in the southwest available here (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/feasibility-of-a-potential-emergent-octopus-fishery-mmo1440).

MMO and Defra have met with representatives from Marine Biological Association to discuss the proposed octopus research project and are considering how best to support.

MMO will undertake a review of global octopus fisheries.

Octopus Handling guides

MMO is exploring advice from research papers on best handling practice, much of the existing advice refers to octopus husbandry from a scientific guidance stance.

MMO are in the process of acquiring additional species ID cards, which will be made available upon request from local MMO offices.

Western Waters crab regime

In response to the current octopus bloom the MMO have been looking at ways to support industry.

We have been asked by stakeholders to clarify the position for vessels subject to Western Waters (WW) crab regime when fishing for other species such as octopus.

If fishing for a species other than crab/spider crab such as octopus and you only land that species and discard any crab/spider crab, then an effort day won’t be counted.

For vessels landing even minimal amounts of crab then WW days will continue to count.

Please ensure you continue to record any discards of crab. Including whole dead, whole live, or predated shell fragments.

If you have intelligence you can share regarding volumes of destroyed crab, please do share that information with the MMO at xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

Meeting Videos and Notes
- 22.09.2025 Meeting Video (https://youtu.be/5v0GrLHT6g8)
- 29.05.2025 Meeting Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORZ-1GbNmjg)
*For older meeting recording, please contact the RFG team xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).
- 23.09.25 Meeting Notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68f630201c9076042263f0ae/SW_RFG_23.09.2025_minutes_FINAL.pdf)
- 29.05.25 Meeting Notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684fcd6d928e5ebb68e3fa27/SW_RFG_29.05.2025_minutes.pdf)
- 05.09.24 Meeting Notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66ffa018a31f45a9c765f106/SW_RFG_MEETING_NOTES_05.09.24.pdf)
- 17.05.24 Meeting Notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664c7341f34f9b5a56adcb37/RFG_Meeting_Notes_South_West_7efg_17.05.24.pdf)
- 12.04.24 Meeting Notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/663b542674933dccbbb6c3b4/RFG_Meeting_Notes_South_West_7efg_12.04.24.pdf)
- 21.12.23 Meeting Notes (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b22c00160765000d18f896/RFG_Minutes_SW_7efg_21.12.2023.pdf)
*Meeting notes which occurred over 18 months ago can be accessed by contacting the RFG team (xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)).

Quota Videos and Presentations
- xx-xxxx-xxxx Meeting Video (https://youtu.be/o6_GxPt2SQQ)
- 17.12.24 Quota Video (https://youtu.be/iH716h2RkkY?feature=shared)
- 16.05.23 Quota Presentation (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/64b9285306f78d000d7425c6/SWQAG_May_2023.pdf)
*Older quota presentations can be accessed by contacting the RFG team (xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)).

Crab and lobster fisheries management plan (FMP)

Background

The crab and lobster fisheries management plan - GOV.UK (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/crab-and-lobster-fisheries-management-plan-fmp-for-english-waters/crab-and-lobster-fisheries-management-plan) was published in December 2023. There are a number of measures recommended in the FMP. Please see the FMP Infographics (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6763dd753229e84d9bbde862/Crab_and_Lobster_FMP_in_English_Waters.pdf) poster for further information and the indicative timescales.

Defra (Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs) commissioned MMO to lead delivery of Proposal 3: to pilot (trial) finer scale management in a crab fishery unit (CFU) in the South West. The Western English Channel brown crab (Cancer pagurus) CFU was highlighted in the FMP for priority management as the stock size was considered near maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and the exploitation rate was moderate in 2019. There are concerns about significant increases in fishing effort in the area in recent years.

South West Crab Trial Group

The South West Crab Trial Group was formed in 2024, facilitated by Seafish to bring together local stakeholders, MMO and Defra to help deliver South West brown crab trial(s).

MMO drafted an options paper (linked below) which was circulated to the group on 15 May 2025. Online meetings took place on 3 and 5 June 2025 to discuss the paper, next steps for engagement, and octopus impacts on this trial(s) work. At the time the paper was drafted octopus were not causing the level of concern that they are now.

There was unanimous support from the group for harmonising the Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS), also referred to as the minimum landing size, for brown crab in South West English waters. The proposed harmonised MCRS is:
- 160 millimetres (mm) for male brown crab
- 150 mm for female brown crab
While there was recognition of the potential value of other measures, particularly those related to effort management, the group agreed that these should not be progressed this summer due to current challenges in the South West 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. We are improving our data and understanding of the impacts of the octopus bloom on the fishery to inform the development of management proposals.

Originally, MMO planned to do a South West face-to-face roadshow in June to meet with industry to discuss brown crab trial options. However, based on feedback from the group we will instead conduct a short online survey to gather views.

A summary of the meetings and next steps is provided below. This has been circulated to the South West Crab Trial Group.
- Southwest brown crab trial group: options paper (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685165a701d2f5c2b9f3e90f/Southwest_crab_trial_group_options_paper_15052025.pdf) (PDF, 991 KB, 26 pages)
- Southwest crab trial group: summary of online meetings (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/685165dfdc640d9b20f3e922/Southwest_crab_trial_group_-_summary_of_meetings_xx-xxxx-xxxx_and_xx-xxxx-xxxx.pdf) (PDF, 340 KB, 6 pages)
South West brown crab MCRS online survey update

Given the strong stakeholder support, and anticipated long-term benefits to crab stocks, the government intends to implement the proposed MCRS increase as a permanent measure, rather than a trial. This is subject to further stakeholder input.

MMO, on behalf of Defra, launched a mobile-friendly online survey, a new way of consulting with stakeholders.

The survey closed on 17 August 2025 and results will be published soon.

South West brown crab online survey - overview document (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/689480f6ad0cbc0e276430eb/P_South_West_brown_crab_online_survey_-_overview_document.pdf) (PDF, 586 KB, 5 pages)

Next steps for brown crab trials

Although stakeholders have indicated that now is not the right time to explore alternative crab trial options, MMO will improve our data and understanding of the fishery to inform effective management in the region. Defra and MMO aim to continue developing effort management proposals with national and regional groups, and resume discussions with the wider industry.

Projects

Lyme Bay Sole Fishery

Between 2015 and 2022 quota for Dover sole (Solea solea) in the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) Area 7.e roughly doubled, leading to increased fishing effort in particular in Lyme Bay. Concerns were raised by stakeholders about the effects of this increased effort on the sole population, the wider marine environment, and local communities. As a result, the MMO agreed to undertake a review of the Lyme Bay sole fishery from an environmental, social and economic perspective. This review included analysis of landings and at sea observer data, a consultation and 2 in person workshops with stakeholders to discuss potential new management measures for the fishery.

Following analysis of the consultation responses, workshop and evidence investigations, MMO has published a decision document outlining the results, proposed management measures and next steps. MMO has also produced a one-pager to summarise the outcomes of consultation and proposed management measures. Please see below for the documents and further detail.
- Gear separation meeting notes 31.01.24 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65ca42f3103de2000cb8f320/Gear_separation_meeting_notes_31.01.24.pdf)
- MMO Management measures for Lyme Bay sole fishery - Consultation results (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6500218657e8840013e128f6/MMO_Management_measures_for_Lyme_Bay_sole_fishery_-Consultation_results.pdf)
- MMO Management measures for Lyme Bay sole fishery - Decision document (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6500212e57e884000de128db/MMO_Management_measures_for_Lyme_Bay_sole_fishery_-_Decision_document.pdf)
- MMO Management measures for Lyme Bay sole fishery - Summary (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/650021661886eb001397717d/MMO_Management_measures_for_Lyme_Bay_sole_fishery_-_summary.pdf)
Cefas study on increased mesh sizes

We commissioned Cefas to carry out a desktop study to look at increased mesh sizes for both static and towed gear in 7e and whether this results in larger sole being caught and therefore supporting the sustainability of the stock. There were limited samples to make a significant conclusion that an increase in mesh size would be beneficial and only a very small percentage of catches are below the 28cm suggested MCRS. The report suggests that an increase in mesh sizes or MCRS would have minimal impact on the wider health of the stock. Recognising stakeholder feedback and practical experience, the report has been delivered to the Celtic Sea & Western Channel Demersal FMP team to include within their evidence base for sole and consider for future measures alongside evidence gathering.

We’ve also delivered this report to Defra, noting the potential benefits of an increased mesh size in the sole fishery for bycatch of pollack.
- Analyses of Mesh Size Use on Size Distribution of Common Sole Report (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/68629472354985706f111b01/Analyses_of_Mesh_Size_Use_on_Size_Distribution_of_Common_Sole_Report__Comments_Addressed_.pdf) (PDF, 1.11 MB, 17 pages)
Anonymously report lost or damaged gear

In January 2024, the MMO introduced the ‘Text Anna’ anonymous reporting of gear conflict. The person reporting the conflict will be kept anonymous.

Fishers, both commercial and recreational, should text Anna (SW RFG Lead) on xx-xxxx-xxxx with the following information:
- What gear was damaged or lost (pots, nets, lines etc).
- Coordinates of where the gear was damaged or lost.
- Any information that was spotted on the markings to identify the owner of the gear
You can also use this online form (https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=UCQKdycCYkyQx044U38RAhVF5J6dFxVNmrAbL9ZRAZpUNUxYWVQ3S1g0QzhHRE1EOTJEVlJLNTFGRS4u) for reporting lost or damaged gear in Lyme Bay instead.

MMO only count reports where there has been damage to gear. We do not consider competition for space / inability to launch gear, a ‘gear conflict’.

Code of Conduct

The MMO has responded to concerns from fishermen that an increase in sole quota has led to conflict and potentially overfishing in Lyme Bay.

The MMO and Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities (IFCA) have been investigating and in 2022 created a steering group to oversee the investigation. The Steering group includes representative fishers from the Lyme Bay Community Interest Company, and other ports outside of Lyme Bay, as well as the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), IFCA, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture (Cefas) and MMO representatives.

At a steering group meeting in the summer of 2022, a best practice Code of Conduct for sole fishing with gill nets in Lyme Bay was agreed as follows. Lyme Bay is defined as the area inside a line from Beer Head to Portland.
- A minimum mesh size 5 inches (127mm) for gill nets targeting sole.
- All fixed nets should be marked with a buoy showing the PLN of the vessel at both ends of the net.
- Flags and radar reflectors are used where possible and practical to mark the location of nets.
Note: That these are best practice recommendations and not law.

The first recommendation is to support the sole population by letting smaller soles increase their opportunity to breed. The second is to help prevent gear conflict by increasing the visibility of net locations to prevent them being caught up in trawl gear, and so that other netting vessels can avoid setting nets that cross over nets already set in the water.

Small eyed ray (RJE) investigation to explore removal of 7e non-retention

This was the first project (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/review-of-small-eyed-ray-in-the-western-channel-mmo1297) to come from the RFGs. Inshore fishers in the Southwest Regional Fisheries Group raised the local abundance of small-eyed ray in area 7.e and the rationale behind the non-retention policy in 7.e when it can be retained in 7.f-g. The non-retention policy is the result of a political decision at EU level, it was not based on ICES advice.

The MMO commissioned Cefas to carry out a study, this was paid for by MMO evidence team. The study highlighted that there is no evidence of decline in the stock, distribution is patchy as is trawl survey data due to its preferred habitat. Small-eyed ray is not a significant stock nationally or financially but could be significant to coastal communities in the southwest particularly inshore fishers.

The Defra Negotiations team took this to the EU at the annual negotiations in December 2023 and received a limited quota for small-eyed ray (RJE) in the western English Channel (ICES Division 7.e) to allow for scientific data collection. In 2024, this was used by Cefas to carry out a self-sampling scheme in collaboration with commercial, inshore fishers, to collect information on the species composition of skates in those inshore areas where small-eyed ray is locally common, and information on the size composition, sex ratio and biology of small eyed ray.

We are hoping to work with Cefas to carry out a similar scheme for 2025.

Fisheries Management Plan Q&A Videos

Following on from recent Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) events, four Q&A videos have been produced for FMPs currently under consultation.

The RFG team has gathered answers to common questions to help provide clarity on key elements of the plans and to assist with fishers completing the consultations. The videos feature answers from Defra policy leads, with input from Cefas, AIFCA, and the Marine Management Organisation.

Watch the videos here:
- Southern North Sea and Channel skates and rays FMP - RFG Q&A- skates & rays FMP (https://youtu.be/dc1Wq1OXKQY?feature=shared)
- North Sea and Channel sprat FMP - RFG Q&A -North Sea and Channel sprat FMP (https://youtu.be/br-iwgAipN0?feature=shared)
- Southern North Sea demersal non-quota species FMP - RFG Q&A -Southern North Sea demersal non-quota FMP (https://youtu.be/6oZ3u_R69pE?feature=shared)
- Cockle FMP - RFG Q&A - cockle FMP (https://youtu.be/Cv0hQa01A5M?feature=shared)
To learn more about the FMPs, please visit the FMP blog here Fisheries Management Plans – News and updates from Defra’s FMP programme (https://defrafmp.blog.gov.uk/)

*for more information on any of the above, please contact the RFG team (xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)).

Crawfish

In 2024, MMO worked with industry to address concerns for the crawfish (Palinurus spp) fishery in the southwest. Stakeholder engagement events and consultations were held regarding seasonal closures of the fishery. The first closure took place between 5 February 2024 to 30 April 2024. The second closure took place between 16 December 2024 to 31 May 2025.

In December 2024 the licence condition for the increased minimum conservation reference size ‘MCRS’ (minimum landing size) of 110 millimetres (mm) was succeeded by a statutory instrument (SI) (https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/1028/regulation/1/made).

2025 seasonal closure

MMO ran a consultation to seek views on a further seasonal closure of the crawfish fishery in English waters of ICES area 7 for all UK and EU vessel using all gear types. The consultation ran from 5 June 2025 to 20 July 2025.

MMO proposed the following potential closure options for consideration:

no closure

from 19 December 2025 to 31 May 2026

As part of the consultation respondents had the opportunity to suggest a different closure period. MMO also asked for suggestions for technical measures (other than effort management) that could be explored for future management.

MMO will introduce a closure of the crawfish fishery for all UK and EU vessels in ICES area 7 (English waters) from 17 November 2025 to 31 May 2026 (inclusive). This will be enacted through a fishing vessel licence condition. This will prohibit vessels fishing, retaining on board, storing or landing crawfish during the closure period.

Further information on the 2025/2026 consultation, including the decision document, that contains a summary of responses received and reasoning behind the decision is available on the Crawfish (https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a-consultation-on-a-seasonal-closure-of-crawfish-fishery-in-ices-area-7) page.

Cuttlefish Action Plan

Cuttlefish Action Plan Workshop Channel Demersal NQS FMP 15 February 2024 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661fc411ced96304c8757dfd/Cuttlefish_OnePager_WS_20240312_v2.0.pdf)

Cuttlefish management measures workshop: 15 February 2024 (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/661fc2d63771f5b3ee757e05/Cuttlefish_Roundtable_Workshop_Summary_20240215_v3.0.pdf)

Area Contact List
- RFG: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)
- RFG SW Lead: Anna Maclennan xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- MMO Inshore Quota Managers: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)
- MMO Hayle Office: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- MMO Plymouth Office: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- MMO Brixham Office: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- MCA Plymouth Office: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- Cornwall IFCA: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- Isles of Scilly IFCA: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- Devon and Severn IFCA: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx
- Southern IFCA: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) xx-xxxx-xxxx