Legislation creating the powers for the UK to operate as an independent coastal state and manage its fish stocks sustainably outside the EU is being introduced into parliament today (29 January 2020).
The introduction of the Fisheries Bill delivers a legal guarantee the UK will leave the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) at the end of the transition period in December 2020 ending the automatic right of EU vessels to fish in British waters.
Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said, “The central purpose of the bill is to give UK ministers powers to manage UK fisheries after we leave the Common Fisheries Policy. We very much welcome that.”
The new bill covers powers to implement new deals with the EU and other coastal states, set quotas and days at sea as well as new measures for devolved governments and a single set of objectives to ensure that stocks and the environment are better protected.
Changes to funding rules are also included in the legislation enabling the government to provide financial support for what is currently funded under the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund such as training and port improvements.
New provisions mean the UK will take into account climate change impacts on its fisheries, with a new objective to move towards ‘climate-smart fishing’ in UK waters. The bill also boosts the Blue Belt programme by ensuring the Marine Management Organisation has the powers to provide advice and assistance on sustainable fisheries, marine planning, licensing and conservation overseas.
