April 2026 Catch Limit Review — Pollack focus
April 2026 Catch Limit Review — proposed Pollack changes and what to watch
MMO consultation and timing
The Marine Management Organisation opened a closed consultation on 17 March 2026 reviewing catch limits for non-sector vessels, highlighting Pollack in Area 7. The review runs through April after quota allocations for England 10m and under and non-sector pools are issued late March/early April. No immediate Pollack change was published at launch, but a potential increase is under consideration for implementation in April to support low-impact fisheries.
Practical steps for commercial and recreational anglers
Skippers and shore anglers should check MMO notices, verify logbook and landing weights, and speak with inshore quota managers to enable quota trades where needed. Contacts: Katie James (07747638655), Jacob Bestwick (07469443840), inshorequotamanager@marinemanagement.org.uk. Operators fishing rock and reef in the English Channel, Plymouth and Cornish ports, or North Sea grounds near Scarborough should favour handline and rod-and-line methods in 20–60m depths as water temperatures rise to around 6–10°C in April. A small portable fishfinder helps locate structure and minimise time at sea.
Current limits and related measures
As of 30 March 2026 monthly reference limits for 10m & under include Pollack Area 7 at 0.75t, Cod Area 7d (bycatch) 0.5t, Haddock 0.5t and Plaice 4t; Herring 4c/7d sits at 300t after a recent increase. Proposed cod bycatch changes effective 1 April cut some quarterly allowances to monthly (under-10m cod shifting from 2t quarterly to 0.3t monthly; over-10m non-sector from 0.3t quarterly to 0.1t monthly). Separate closures include king scallops in ICES 7d/7e and queen scallops in 6a/7a (1 Apr–30 Jun 2026). Monitor MMO updates closely during April for final Pollack decisions.
Recommended: portable fishfinder sonar