April 2026 Catch Limit Review: Pollack (Area 7)
April 2026 Catch Limit Review: Pollack (Area 7)
Summary of proposals
The Marine Management Organisation opened a closed review on 17 March 2026 of Pollack in Area 7 for England's non‑sector vessel pools. No immediate change was made, but managers signalled a possible increase to the under‑10m monthly allocation (currently 0.75t) once 2026 quota allocations are finalised late March/early April. The review prioritises the handline fishery for its low environmental impact, citing the Fisheries Act and Section 25 guidance.
Regulatory changes to note
Proposed adjustments effective 1 April include tightened cod bycatch limits in 7a: under‑10m moves from 2t quarterly (March position) to 0.3t monthly; non‑sector over‑10m from 0.3t quarterly to 0.1t monthly. March changes saw herring 4c/7d rise from 200t to 300t. Current under‑10m non‑sector limits (30 March 2026) include Cod 7d 0.5t monthly, Haddock 7a 0.5t monthly, Hake Western 8t monthly, Plaice 7a 4t monthly and Pollack Area 7 0.75t monthly.
What shore anglers and small‑charter skippers should do
Shore anglers from Dorset to Northumberland and skippers operating in the English Channel and North Sea should monitor quota trade announcements and licence annexes. Target Pollack around kelp edges and rocky marks at 5–40m depth where April sea temperatures typically range 8–12°C: use light tackle, handline rigs or jigs to reduce bycatch. Small charters should prioritise handline methods, log catches accurately and liaise with inshore quota managers to prepare for short‑term TAC adjustments.
Contacts
Queries or input: Katie James 07747638655, Jacob Bestwick 07469443840, email inshorequotamanager@marinemanagement.org.uk
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