The government’s move to restrict 18-metre trawlers from fishing sprat has come years too late, failing to address the urgent need for a full ban, according to Social Democrats environment spokesperson Jennifer Whitmore.
Deputy Whitmore said:
“This is a textbook example of delay and dysfunction – the government has been grappling with this issue since 2018.
“In that time, sprat stocks have been hammered by unchecked fishing efforts, and we still have no reliable data on the health of the stock.
“The original plan to ban large vessels (those over 18 metres) from fishing within the six nautical mile zone was announced in 2018, to be effective January 1st, 2020 with a three-year transition period.
“In late 2020, the policy was overturned in the High Court due to inadequate consultation with the sector – the government then restarted the consultation process, which dragged on for years.
“We’re now back at square one – the government’s latest announcement is not a solution, it’s a stalling tactic.
“If this measure had been implemented in 2018, it might have made a difference – but the time for half-measures has passed.
“We need a full ban on sprat fishing until safeguards and robust data are in place.”
“Last week, I introduced a bill to ban sprat fishing altogether, calling for immediate action to protect marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable fisheries policy.
“It’s good to see the government finally acknowledge the damage being done to sprat stocks, but after seven years of dithering, we need more than incremental steps – we need ambition, urgency, and a full moratorium until we have the science and safeguards to manage this fishery responsibly.
“We cannot continue to manage our marine resources with blindfolds on. The science is clear – sprat is being overfished, and the ecosystem is suffering. The government must act decisively, not just symbolically.”
July 22nd, 2025