Fishing Ban Aims to Preserve Queen Scallop Populations

Queen scallop fishing in ICES sub areas 6a and 7a will be closed for 3 months starting in April 2026 to protect spawning stocks. Learn more about this important conservation effort.
In a move to safeguard the sustainability of queen scallop populations, fishing activities in ICES sub areas 6a and 7a will be temporarily halted for a 3-month period starting on April 1, 2026. This closure, announced by fishery management authorities, aims to protect the crucial spawning season for these economically valuable marine mollusks.
Queen scallops, also known as queenies, are a highly prized seafood delicacy that play a significant role in the regional fishing industry. However, overfishing and other environmental factors have threatened the long-term viability of these scallop stocks. The upcoming closure is a proactive measure to ensure the species' continued abundance and reproduction.
{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}Source: UK Government


