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Every summer, we review half of the sustainability ratings for our Cornish species (the other half is done in winter). Our summer ratings review for 2024, based on the most recent available scientific advice and management information, is now live on our website.
This summer has seen 14 species, and a total of 42 ratings updated. Many of which have remained unchanged in absence of new stock information or management changes. For some species, this is a good thing: once again this year sees both species of monkfish (anglerfish) unchanged due to healthy stocks, both species remain on our recommended list. Turbot, Lemon sole, and Witch on the other hand, all remain rated a 4, due to lack of data and management. There has been no change for bass and lobster ratings, choose line caught bass and pot caught lobster for the most sustainable options.
Dover sole caught off Cornwall's south coast has seen improved stocks, and all methods are now rated 2. North coast Dover sole is still recommended, but faces higher fishing pressure which has seen the beam trawl rating move to a 3.
Another staple Cornish flatfish, plaice, is not doing so well. Off both coasts biomass is decreasing rapidly, with fishing pressure above Maximum Sustainable Yield. The situation is worse off Cornwall's north coast, where stock biomass is the lowest since at least 1988. As a result, north coast plaice is now Red Rated and a fish to avoid. Ling is also now Red Rated with fishing pressure at unsustainable levels and rapidly declining biomass in our waters.
The major update in this review is brown crab, which was under review. The Cefas Crab and Lobster stock assessments have now been published and locally, high fishing pressure and declining biomass means brown crab is no longer recommended. This is the first time pot-caught brown crab has not been on our recommended list, which highlights the severity of the situation. The Cornish fishing industry have been calling for improved management of Crab and Lobster for several years now. We hope that in the very near future we will see some positive outcomes through Cornwall IFCA's developments, and through the Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan – ideally seeing effort or catch limits to ensure the fishery stays sustainable for the long term.
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