Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential merits of improving regulations for non-quota species in UK waters.

The Government recognises the value and importance of non-quota species (NQS). Improving regulation to protect these stocks and secure the future of the fishing industry is a priority for this Government and part of an on-going programme of work though Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). Following publication of six FMPs in 2023, new measures to improve regulation of NQS are being introduced. More plans to improve NQS regulation are due to be published by the end of 2025.