Government to Implement Permanent Minimum Size Regulations for Brown Crab in South West Waters
The UK government is set to establish permanent regulations regarding the minimum sizes for brown crab, following strong support from stakeholders. The new measures will come into effect on February 1, 2026, and are aimed at promoting the sustainable management of crab fisheries in the South West.
Details of the Regulation
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has proposed that the minimum crab reference size (MCRS) for male and female brown crabs in English waters of the South West will be set at 160mm and 150mm, respectively. This decision is part of the ongoing efforts to maintain and enhance crab populations while ensuring a sustainable fishery.
Tim Dixon, Head of Fisheries Management at MMO, expressed satisfaction with the enthusiastic response from the industry: “We are pleased to see there was such overwhelming support from industry for harmonising minimum crab reference size and making it permanent. This will help to safeguard and maintain the species in the South West, supporting MMO’s goal of creating sustainable fisheries for the long term.”
Stakeholder Engagement
A recent consultation conducted in July and August received 78 responses, with an impressive 82% of participants expressing approval for the new regulations. The survey also indicated a preference for modern consultation methods, as 77% of respondents favoured mobile-friendly online feedback over traditional email methods.
Background and Crab Stock Concerns
The Crab and Lobster Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) is based on current scientific findings regarding crab stocks in English waters. Evidence suggests that these stocks are facing high exploitation rates, which may jeopardise their long-term sustainability.
Recent years have seen a decline in crab landings across the UK, particularly since 2020. In 2025, an increase in common octopus populations in the South West has further contributed to the challenges facing crab fisheries this year. Alongside the new MCRS measures, the MMO and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are prioritising sustainable management strategies to mitigate these pressures.
Future Directions
While there is recognition of additional management measures like effort management, the South West Crab Trial Group has advised against progressing these in 2025 due to the ongoing challenges posed by the octopus bloom. The MMO and Defra remain committed to working closely with industry representatives to develop informed management proposals based on improved data about the impacts of the octopus bloom on crab stocks.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/harmonisation-of-brown-crab-sizes-across-the-south-west-update
