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<p>The UK’s seabirds are an important part of our natural heritage, and their protection
is a high priority for this Government. Forage fish such as sandeels play a crucial
role in the health of the wider marine ecosystem.</p><p> </p><p>Defra and the UK Fisheries
Administrations recently published a call for evidence on sandeels and Norway pout
to help inform decision making and to consider possible measures to manage these stocks
more sustainably in the future. The responses are currently being analysed.</p><p>
</p><p>ICES releases its annual scientific advice about the condition of sandeel stocks
in the North Sea on 25 February. We will carefully consider this advice, as well as
the advice given in response to the call for evidence, in developing a UK position
ahead of the negotiation with the European Union of a total allowable catch for North
Sea sandeel in 2022.</p><p> </p><p>Defra is also working with Natural England to develop
a comprehensive and ambitious English Seabird Conservation Strategy. The Strategy
will aim to assess the vulnerability of each seabird species in light of the pressures
they are facing and propose actions to address them.</p><p> </p>
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