Good news for Puffins and Kittiwakes as arbitration panel upholds ban on sandeel fishing in British waters

                                          

Puffins, such as thse on the Yorkshire Coast, are dependent on plentiful sandeels to feed their young

THE RSPB has welcomed a decision which should help safeguard stocks of sandeels - a vital food source for Puffins, Razorbills, Kittiwakes and other seabirds.

It  was back in March last year that the UK and Scottish Governments chose to close North Sea waters to industrial sandeel fishing. 

The decision was taken to protect vulnerable seabird populations and support the wider marine environment.

But the following month the EU challenged the move following pressure from the Danish fishing industry.

However, an arbitration panel has found in favour of closure.

Said an RSPB spokesperson: "We now expect the UK and EU to move forward and make the sandeel fishing closures here permanent."