Discard ban consultation launched

The discard ban came into effect this month for pelagic fishermen, and will be extended to the demersal fleet in January 2016. Mr Eustice has launched the consultation to consider how to implement the second phase of the ban in England, seeking views of those affected on the best ways to manage the landing obligation so that fishermen can benefit financially while fishing more sustainably.

“The discard ban is one of the most important changes to fisheries management in the last decade and follows three years of hard fought UK-led negotiations in Europe,” said Mr Eustice.

“We’re working closely with industry and the EU to ensure the discard ban is applied proportionately and works in practice for all fishermen. It’s crucial we help them adjust to the new reforms and make the transition to each phase of the ban as smooth as possible.

He said that the consultation and research will inform how fish that would have previously been discarded is handled, so it can be put to the best use – with the ultimate goals of a thriving fishing industry, sustainable fish stocks and a healthy marine environment.

The consultation will run until 31 March 2015 and Mr Eustice says it will strengthen England’s negotiating position in Europe with crucial evidence, allowing the development of an appropriate, fair and effective Discard Plan with those Member States that the country shares demersal fisheries with.

Additional national research will be undertaken to identify uses for previously discarded fish such as bait and fishmeal, and uncovering species with high survivability rates which could be exempted from the demersal discard ban.

Responses to the consultation can be made here.