UK FISHERS WELCOME STRENGTHENING OF FISHERIES BILL

UK fishers welcome strengthening of Fisheries Bill. During a visit yesterday (10 December) to Peterhead Fish Market by Secretary of State for Scotland David Mundell, the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) signalled their welcome to the UK Government announcement that it is strengthening the Fisheries Bill.

Furthermore, the UK Government announced that it is committed to funding support for the UK industry at least equivalent to that currently received through the EU.

Commenting on the proposals, which will oblige any future Secretary of State to cede EU access to fish in UK waters only in return for fairer quota shares for the UK, SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong said: “The SFF welcomes the strengthening of the Fisheries Bill and the commitment of extra resources for the sector to aid the UK’s transition to an independent coastal state and beyond.

“Particularly pleasing is the rejection of French President Emmanuel Macron’s suggestion that existing shares of fish be maintained post-Brexit and the establishment instead of a platform for annual negotiations to move towards much fairer shares.

“The industry remains adamant that there must be no link between access to UK waters and trade with the EU.

“We look forward to contributing to UK and Scottish government consultations on allocation of the additional funding both for transition and after Brexit to help manage expansion of the sector.

“As we move into a new era of fisheries management, the SFF is committed to ensuring that Brexit benefits fishermen who operate vessels of all sizes right across our coastal communities.”

The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, in a statement on their website, said: “Fishing has become a pivotal issue on both sides of the Channel, and the Government amendment, now proposed, will oblige any future Secretary of State to cede access to fish in UK waters only in return for fairer quota shares for the UK. As an example of where change is needed, the UK share of Channel cod is 9%, whilst the French share is 84%.