The European court has upheld the UK's ban on commercial fishing for sandeels in the North Sea, citing ecological necessity for seabird populations. This ban was instated in March 2024 due to declining sandeel stocks. Despite the EU's challenge, claiming discrimination against Danish fishing interests, the court ruled in favor of the ban. The RSPB, among other conservation groups, supported this closure as crucial for the recovery of seabird species like puffins and kittiwakes. Defra expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, affirming that the ban is scientifically justified.
We are absolutely delighted the panel has found the ecological case for the closure of industrial sandeel fishing is sound.
Safeguarding sandeel stocks is a key part of the jigsaw that will help set our puffins, kittiwakes and the wider marine environment on the path to recovery.
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