Ballan wrasse are a common species found around the South West of England but one that has not been targeted until recent years. It has been suggested that the exploitation and shipping of live wrasse from the South West of England to Scotland, is only necessary because localised Scottish wrasse stocks have already been depleted by the demand for cleaner fish from salmon farms. Little is known about current stock levels in English waters. In recent years Cornwall, Devon and Severn and Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities have developed management for the wrasse fisheries to prevent potential over fishing. However, the sustainability of the use of wild wrasse captured from England in Scottish salmon farms remains unclear.