English non-quota fisheries are diverse and dynamic, targeting various species with different fishing methods, often changing seasonally. These fisheries are crucial for coastal communities and local economies, yet they lack sufficient research, regulations, and stock assessments. Managed by Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) and the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), these fisheries balance conservation with economic benefits. Despite their importance, some fisheries, like the common cuttlefish fishery, lack specific regulations. With rising landings and increasing economic value, common cuttlefish, particularly in Devon and Cornwall, are vulnerable to overfishing due to their complex lifecycle and lack of regulatory measures.
Scotland’s Seas: An Environmental and Economic Opportunity
Scotland’s seas are six times larger than our land area and among the most ecologically important in the world. They support internationally important marine wildlife, globally significant ecosystems and the coastal economies that depend upon them.
16 September 2026
