The UK government and devolved administrations have launched a public consultation on the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS).
Part of the Fisheries Act 2020, the JFS sets out the legally binding policies that governments will follow in delivering sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management across the UK.
Of key focus are ensuring oceans and seas are clean, safe and biologically diverse, and a recognition of the importance of fishing and aquaculture as a source of employment and identity.
“We promised a JFS, and we are now delivering on it,” said Edwin Poots MLA, Minister of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland.
“It forms an important part of the overall fisheries framework, as it will set out our plans to pursue sustainable fisheries policies that will benefit both the fishing industry and the marine environment for many years to come.
“I would encourage everyone who has an interest in achieving the UK’s vision of having clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse oceans and seas to get involved in this consultation as we further develop this draft JFS,” he added.
The Joint Fisheries Statement sets out three main areas – protecting and, where necessary, recovering fish stocks; reducing the effects of fishing on the marine and coastal environment; and supporting a modern, resilient and environmentally responsible fishing industry.
The consultation document can be found at Defra’s website.
