Continuing ban on taking sandeels from North Sea should help puffins, razorbills and other marine wildlife

Kittiwake - one of the birds that will benefit from continued sandeel-fishing ban 

FOR  the third consecutive year, the Government has decided to ban UK fishermen from taking sandeels from the North Sea.

This is to safeguard the wider marine ecosystem - such as seabirds and marine mammals - that feed on these fish.

UK fishermen will not be allowed to catch - or swap - any of the pre-agreed quota, totalling 5,773 tonnes.

Sandeels are an important forage fish and dietary source for vulnerable seabirds, marine mammals and commercially valuable fish. 

Industrial fishing of sandeels is shown to have an impact on the health of these other species within the marine ecosystem.

Without effective fisheries management measures, loss of sandeels through commercial fishing could be detrimental to the breeding success and population resilience of certain UK seabirds which, as well as puffins, also include kittiwakes and razorbills.

Says Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer: "Sandeels are an important component in the food chain for some of our most treasured species, such as puffins, and the decision not to allow sandeel fishing for a third year running will help benefit our seabird populations and allow wildlife to thrive."

                                          

Puffin with bill stuffed with sandeels