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Written question asked by Roz Savage (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 8 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 December 2025. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.


Sharks: Conservation

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will conduct a sustainability review of spurdog measures before reopening the fishery.

Answer

The UK and EU agreed to reopen fishing for spurdog in UK and EU waters in 2023 during annual consultations for that fishing year. That agreement was reached following consideration of the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas positive scientific advice for the stock, which demonstrated the stock’s recovery in response to management measures.

The UK’s approach to negotiations aims to balance environmental sustainability alongside consideration of the social and economic aspects of fishing, consistent with the objectives of the Fisheries Act 2020, the Joint Fisheries Statement, and other legal commitments, as well as shared objectives with the EU under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
98333
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Conservation Fisheries Sharks
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk