NGOs once again join forces to support UK governments on sandeel closure

Seabirds are experiencing devastating declines. Just two months ago, five new species were added to the UK Red List of highest conservation concern. Puffins, which depend on sandeels for food, remain on the Red List and are also threatened with global extinction. Lack of food is one among many pressures faced by seabirds, and the UK and Scottish governments must remain resolute in defence of their decision to close sandeel fishing in order to build resilience in these species and the wider marine environment.

The EU’s decision to trigger an arbitration process over the UK’s sandeel fisheries closure flies in the face of its commitment to protect and restore marine ecosystems. In response, the RSPB, along with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the UK and EU, have signed the following joint statement. 

NGOs across the UK and EU are outraged that the European Commission continues to contest the UK and Scottish governments’ decision to close sandeel fishing in the English waters of the North Sea and all Scottish waters as a crucial measure to support marine biological diversity, particularly for the UK’s struggling populations of globally important seabirds. The move by the EU not only challenges the UK’s ability to deliver ecosystem recovery but contributes to the EU abysmally failing to meet its own environmental obligations.

Announced as the UN Convention on Biological Diversity’s COP16 opened in full swing, the EU is sending an appalling message to the rest of the world. Instead of fighting a key ecosystem recovery measure, the Commission should be supporting it in the interest of turning around the health of our beleaguered seas. 

Sandeels are a low trophic level species that play a key role in ensuring an abundance of biodiversity in the marine environment. They provide a vital food source to vulnerable seabirds, commercially and recreationally important fish species such as cod, haddock, whiting and Atlantic Salmon, and marine mammals including seals, porpoises, and whales. 

Collectively we remain in support of this closure and commend the UK in this crucial decision to contribute towards achieving national and international biodiversity targets. We support the UK in standing strong and urge the Commission to reconsider its position.