Sandeel fishing ban will remain

We’re pleased by the Permanent Court of Arbitration’s ruling that closure of industrial sandeel fishing in UK waters is justified and necessary.

Arctic Tern stood on a rock with a sandeel in its mouth

Arctic Tern_2211698_Chantal Macleod-Nolan (rspb-images.com)

Arctic Terns feed on a variety of small fish and are known for their plunge-diving hunting techniques. Photo: Chantal Macleod-Nolan (rspb-images.com)

A puffin in flight with lots of sandeels in its beak

Puffin_2265418_Les Cater (rspb-images.com)

One Puffin was recorded carrying 83 sandeels in its beak at once! Photo: Les Cater (rspb-images.com)

A razorbill on land stood behind green foliage

Razorbill_2217647_Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Razorbills usually dive around 20 meters to hunt, but have been seen to go as deep as 120 meters. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

A Kittiwake in flight against a grey sky

Kittiwake_2217635_Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Kittiwake numbers have halved since the 1960s, and declining sandeels is a principal cause. Photo: Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)

Following campaigning by the RSPB and other environmental organisations, in March 2024, the UK and Scottish Governments ended industrial sandeel fishing – a move challenged by the EU and assessed by the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The decision that the UK has the right to stop this damaging fishing offers hope for species such as Puffin, Roseate Tern and Kittiwake.