Frictionless trade and access to EU markets is essential to the survival of the Welsh fishing industry, while non-tariff barriers could deliver a killer blow, according to the National Assembly’s Climate Change, Environment and Rural Affairs Committee.
The Committee concluded that even marginal delays for live shellfish exporters will have a huge impact on the viability of their business. It recommends the UK Government must do all it can to ensure that exporting is as frictionless as possible.
“We feel the Welsh fishing industry is at a tipping point,” said Mike Hedges AM, chair of the committee.
“Non-tariff barriers could be a killer blow to an industry already under pressure and which suffers from an unfair quota share from the UK Government.
“Access to EU markets is essential if these businesses are to survive, while the Welsh Government must fight for a fairer share for Wales and develop an ambitious forward-thinking strategy if the sector is to thrive.”
Just 1% quota
Once the total UK fishing quota is shared Wales is left with just 1% compared to other UK nations, said the National Assembly for Wales.
The Committee is calling on the Welsh Government to fight for a significant increase and to develop an ambitious strategy for the future direction of fisheries in Wales. Members concluded that Wales needs a stronger voice in negotiations with the EU about arrangements for fisheries after Brexit and about the allocation of the UK fishing quota in future.
