April 2026 Catch Limit Review — Pollack (Area 7)
April 2026 Catch Limit Review — Pollack (Area 7)
Summary of the review
The Marine Management Organisation published a closed consultation on 17 March 2026 and will review catch limits through April. For Pollack in Area 7 no immediate tonnage changes were announced for non-sector vessels under and over 10m, but possible increases are under consideration following quota allocations to England 10m/under and non-sector pools in late March or early April 2026. The adjustments are being framed to support low‑impact handline fisheries in line with Fisheries Act sustainability objectives.
Other regulatory moves effective 1 April
Changes affecting small inshore boats include tightened cod (7a) bycatch allowances: under-10m vessels move from 2t quarterly to 0.3t monthly; over-10m non-sector vessels from 0.3t quarterly to 0.1t monthly. A March rise for Herring 4c7d (200t to 300t) remains in force.
What skippers and shore anglers should monitor this month
Operators working the English Channel and southwest grounds (Isle of Wight, Portland, Lyme Bay, west Cornwall) should track MMO quota notices, allocation bulletins and local fisheries group updates. Practical checks include VMS/landing reconciliations, real‑time catch recording, and planning quota trades if 2026 non-sector pools remain below 2025 uptake. Targeting pollack on rocky reefs and wrecks at 20–100m when sea temperatures are around 8–11°C in April favours handline methods and single‑hook rigs to reduce bycatch.
Practical steps
Charter operators should brief clients on likely restrictions, prioritise selective gear and log all landings promptly. Shore anglers and boat skippers should monitor MMO pages daily during the April review window and liaise with regional IFGs for quota pooling options.
Recommended: portable sonar unit