Marine Group Warns Over Forage Fish Sustainability

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has welcomed new restrictions on fishing by vessels over 18 metres within the six nautical mile zone, but says further action is needed to ensure long-term sustainability for Sprat and other forage fish.

Forage species such as sprat, sand eels, and potentially anchovies and pilchards play a crucial role in Ireland’s marine ecosystems, supporting seabirds, whales, and commercially valuable fish stocks. While restrictions on larger vessels are a positive step, smaller boats remain largely unregulated. In 2024, vessels under 18 metres accounted for nearly half of total Sprat landings, far exceeding international precautionary advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea.

The group is urging that Sprat be included in the ICES stock assessment process to provide independent scientific guidance for long-term management. The Marine Institute should also be fully resourced to complete research on Sprat biology, including population structure, growth rates, and reproductive capacity.

Experts warn that historical research shows Sprat once had a broader age and size range, but intensive fishing has left the population dominated by younger fish, making it more vulnerable to environmental change.

IWDG is also calling for the introduction of precautionary quotas that account for the ecological role of Sprat in the wider food web. Management measures must apply to vessels of all sizes and include proper monitoring, bycatch sampling, and enforcement to prevent overfishing. The Sea Fisheries Protection Authority should be given the authority and resources to ensure compliance and consistency across the fleet.

Additional measures are needed to protect spawning stocks, including limiting fishing during the critical October to February period and prioritising forage fish for human consumption rather than processing into fishmeal.

The group says adopting these steps will help move Ireland from short-term restrictions to an ecosystem-based approach that safeguards biodiversity, supports coastal communities, and maintains a resilient marine food web.