Crab and Lobster Management Group

CMG work programme

The CMG focuses on improving the operational management of our crab and lobster fisheries to ensure their long-term sustainability.

As part of its formative work programme the CMG will:

• identify and review current measures used to manage crab and lobster fisheries;
• identify knowledge gaps.
• explore opportunities to improve the science and data behind the fishery’s management.

CMG membership 

The CMG is an industry-led group which brings together stakeholders from across the crab and lobster supply chain. Its membership includes representatives from:

• government
• academia
• fishermen’s associations
• producers organisations
• active fishermen

The CMG is chaired by Claire Pescod, Head of Sustainability and Science at Macduff Shellfish. Seafish provides secretariat support for the group and undertakes work on specific actions arising through the CMG work programme.

If you are interested in joining the CMG or engaging with the Group on matters related to sustainable management of crab and lobster fisheries, get in touch with us by the details below.

Background to the CMG

The demand for UK crab has increased in recent years. This has been largely due to the growth of the export market, particularly in the Asia and the EU.

Between 2015 and 2019, the value of UK crab landings increased from £39.8 million to £71 million. In the same period the value of landings of lobster increased from £32.2 million to £46.3 million. This represents an increase of 78% and 43% respectively.

The increase in value has resulted in an increase in fishing effort for crab and lobster around the UK. This has led to industry concerns about the long term sustainability of some fisheries.

The CMG was formed in July 2020. A key driver for the Group’s formation was discussions at the Future of Our Inshore Fisheries conference in October 2019. Following the event there was interest in considering how best to co-manage inshore fisheries, which led to the formation of the Shellfish Industry Advisory Group (SIAG).

The SIAG subsequently identified a need to bring together key stakeholders to focus on these specific shellfish species. The CMG was formed to focus on crab and lobster fisheries and is a vital first step towards improved operational management of these commercially important fisheries.

Further information

Find out more about other shellfish management groups:

Find out more about other developments in UK inshore fisheries management: