Defra publishes harvest standard specification and evidence gaps for FMPs

Article summary

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a harvest standard specification (HSS), produced by the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, along with evidence gaps for fisheries management plans (FMPs). The HSS aims to guide the design, implementation and review of FMPs and outlines the common framework that will be utilised for the development of harvest strategies for England’s fisheries. Defra has also identified evidence gaps during the development of FMPs, which must be addressed to ensure the successful implementation of the measures and goals set out in each plan.