Defra publishes updated response to sandeel Arbitration Tribunal final ruling
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published an update to its May 2025 response to the sandeel Arbitration Tribunal’s final ruling in the UK-Sandeel case (the European Union v the United Kingdom) Case No 2024-45. The UK has formally notified the EU of the steps it has taken to comply with the Tribunal’s ruling. While the Tribunal identified a procedural shortcoming in the decision to close English waters to sandeel fishing, it did not dispute the UK’s objectives or scientific rationale for the measures. In response, the UK has carried out a new decision-making process based on updated advice and evidence, which addresses all the requirements outlined in the Tribunal’s report. This includes full consideration of the EU’s rights and interests during the adjustment period. Following this process, the UK has concluded that the closure of sandeel fishing in English waters of the North Sea remains necessary to meet its environmental objectives, including marine ecosystem recovery and achieving Good Environmental Status of UK waters. The UK considers that this new process addresses the procedural shortcomings identified by the Tribunal, and brings it into compliance with its obligations under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The closures will therefore remain in place.
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