The Environment, Natural Resources and Planning Portfolio (ENRP) has announced new management measures for the fishing of Grouper, Deepwater Bullseye, and Moray Eel (Conger) for the rest of 2025. These changes take effect from October 31, 2025, following an Advisory Board meeting attended virtually by Minister for Economic Development and ENRP, Karl Thrower.
The decision to increase the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Grouper is based on ongoing data collection and monitoring efforts led by the Marine and Fisheries Conservation Section (MFCS), in partnership with the UK’s Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS). The TAC had previously been reduced from 25 tonnes to 1.65 metric tonnes in response to a significant decline in Grouper numbers. This limit was divided equally among recreational fishers.
Recent data collected over two years now supports a cautious increase in the TAC from 1.65 tonnes to 2.0 metric tonnes. Under a new licence-neutral allocation system, all previous Grouper landings are voided. Each fishing vessel licence holder will receive an equal share of the remaining TAC—22 Grouper per licence. Licence holders can choose to land these fish under either their commercial or recreational licence. Transfers of allocations between licence holders are allowed with mutual consent and approval from the Chief Fisheries Officer; transfer applications will be processed within 48 hours during regular office hours.
These changes apply only until the end of 2025. A full review of Grouper management options is scheduled for December 2025, with possible updates planned for implementation in 2026.
For Deepwater Bullseye, commercial fishing restrictions have been lifted as of October 31, 2025; there are no formal TACs set for this species or Moray Eel (Conger) through year-end. ENRP encourages all fishers to use sustainable practices during this interim period while awaiting revised evidence-based catch limits expected in 2026 after updated scientific advice from CEFAS.
All affected fishing vessel licence holders have received formal notifications about these changes, including variations to their licences and forms needed for Grouper allocation transfers. The Marine Compliance and Enforcement Section has confirmed updated entitlements and conditions via direct correspondence.
ENRP acknowledged those involved in this process: “ENRP expresses its appreciation to the fishing associations and individual licence holders for their continued co-operation, patience, and engagement throughout this review process. The constructive dialogue and feedback received has been invaluable in ensuring that these management measures support both environmental sustainability and the livelihoods and interests of local fishers.”