Sandeel fishing in UK waters could be banned next year under “gamechanging” government plans to protect puffin and kittiwake numbers, the Guardian can reveal.
The sandeel is a small fish that is critical to marine food webs in the UK, and is an important part of many seabird diets. For example, the number of kittiwakes – which are particularly sandeel-dependent – has fallen by half in the UK since the 1960s, with diminishing availability of prey during the breeding season thought to be mainly responsible.
The tiny fish are harvested, mainly by non-UK fishing boats, to be made into feed for farmed salmon and livestock. While the largest threat to their population numbers is heating seas under climate breakdown, industrial fishing pressures them further.
A call for evidence by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) last year found that the industrial fishing of sandeels could be negatively affecting the populations of some of the UK’s most beloved and endangered species, including puffins and kittiwakes.
Now, sources at the department have confirmed that a ban on the practice will be put in motion early next year, starting with a consultation of stakeholders in January.
While the move is likely to dismay some in the fishing industry, wildlife campaigners have welcomed a potential ban.
The RSPB’s head of marine policy, Helen McLachlan, said: “A UK-wide ban on industrial trawling for sandeels would be gamechanging in our efforts to help save our threatened seabirds. The UK’s globally important seabird colonies are in trouble with iconic birds like puffins and kittiwakes at risk of being pushed to the brink of extinction. A ban on sandeel fishing in UK waters would protect the very fish that our amazing seabirds, their chicks and many other marine species need to survive.
“Over the last few decades our seabirds have declined in the face of increasing threats from climate change and other human activity. We’re running out of time to save some of the UK’s most loved wildlife and a ban on industrial sandeel fishing could be the single greatest thing decision-makers can do next year to throw our seabirds a lifeline.”
Joan Edwards, the director of marine policy and public affairs at the Wildlife Trusts, added: “Sandeel stocks are essential for young seabirds, and in particular are linked to the health of puffin and kittiwake colonies; yet they are targeted by foreign supertrawlers, fishing in marine protected areas, and often sold as food for chicken, pigs and farmed salmon.
“We have waited too long, since the call for evidence last year – we need to act to secure the future of this important fish, which is a vital part of the marine ecosystem, providing food for a whole range of species including harbour porpoises, terns, pollack and mackerel.”
Nicola Cusack, the fisheries policy manager at the Marine Conservation Society, said: “We support the UK government proposals to further protect sandeels in UK waters from the impacts of climate change and fishing activities. It is vital that bold new approaches, such as this, are taken to ensure our seas are full of life for generations to come.”
A Defra spokesperson said: “We have looked at the impact of industrial sandeel fishing in our call for evidence from industry and environmental organisations in 2021, and intend to set out next steps in due course.”
