April 2026 catch-limit review — what it means for UK skippers
April 2026 catch-limit review — implications for UK charter skippers and anglers
The Marine Management Organisation has opened an April 2026 Catch Limit Review for non-sector vessels, focusing on pollack in Area 7 and other stocks. The review follows allocation of under-10m and non-sector pools and a consultation published 17 March 2026. No immediate reduction for Pollack – Area 7 is proposed; MMO will consider a possible increase to support a low-impact handline fishery under Section 25 of the Fisheries Act.
Key technical changes and stocks affected
From 1 April 2026, cod in 7a moves to much tighter bycatch controls: under-10m limits change from 2t quarterly to 0.3t monthly, and over-10m non-sector from 0.3t quarterly to 0.1t monthly. Many other monthly limits remain (haddock, hake, herring, plaice), while managers expect tradeable inshore quota after allocations arrive late March or early April.
Practical advice for skippers and recreational anglers
Charter skippers running trips from ports such as Whitby, Scarborough, Portsmouth or Newhaven should log catches carefully, brief clients on bycatch rules, and consider targeting pollack grounds in Area 7 with handline methods at 15–40m depth when sea temperatures are 6–10°C in spring. Recreational anglers fishing the Thames, Solent, or Scottish lochs should monitor monthly bycatch totals and prefer selective gear: handline, light lures and small hooks reduce mortality of non-target cod. For quota queries contact Katie James or Jacob Bestwick at inshorequotamanager@marinemanagement.org.uk.
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