Following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union last week, National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) chief executive Barrie Deas has issued a statement to reassure the industry that the organisation will continue to fight for UK fishermen.
“The NFFO’s role has always been to secure the best deal for fishermen from England, Wales and Northern Ireland and today’s outcome does not change this fundamental focus of the organisation.
“Is clear that the outcome of the EU referendum marks a seismic change for the fishing industry and the NFFO will now seek to play a leading role in negotiating the new bilateral and trilateral arrangements that will be required following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union. This will mean working with all involved to ensure British fishermen are represented at the highest level of talks on fisheries management and receive the most favourable deal possible.”
He said that the organisation expects that the UK will enter an annual bilateral agreement with the EU for shared stocks, similar to the current EU/Norway annual agreement.
He also said that the decision to leave the EU will not change the dedication of British fishermen to sustainable fishing.
“Our main priority has always been supporting British fishermen in running environmentally and economically sustainable businesses. The result of the EU referendum does not change that and we are now looking forward to playing an integral role in the upcoming negotiations on the future of fishing for this country”, he said.
