The UK Government has announced its ‘Sustainable Fisheries for Future Generations’ White Paper ahead of the forthcoming Fisheries Bill, which is expected to establish the blueprint for a sustainable and profitable industry once Britain has left the European Union.
The announcement of the White Paper, subject to a consultation period that lasts into September, has been welcomed by industry figures and quickly condemned by environmental organisations.
“Leaving the EU creates a sea of opportunity for our fishing industry. Outside the Common Fisheries Policy we can take back control of our waters and revitalise our coastal communities,” announced Environment Secretary Michael Gove.
“We will be able to put in place our own systems, becoming a world leader in managing our resources while protecting the marine environment.”
The UK will remain under Common Fisheries Policy rules during the implementation period, but from 2020 will be negotiating access to waters and fishing opportunities as an independent coastal state.
According to a DEFRA statement, the white paper will set out a number of methods to explore fairer allocation of fishing opportunities, such as zonal attachment – which is based on distribution of fish stocks, rather than historical data.
The announcement makes clear that a commitment to sustainable fisheries is at the heart of the White Paper’s proposals, specifically stating that this includes “ending the wasteful discarding of fish and making clear vessels will only be allowed to fish in our waters if they adhere to our high sustainability standards.”
Among the proposals are a commitment to publishing an annual statement setting out the health of fish stocks and based on the latest scientific evidence, and the paper will outline a new approach to tackling choke species. Also on the agenda are proposals for two new approaches in England; a reserve of quota that could be used to offset choke species, coupled with a new scheme to help fishermen unable to find quota to set against their catch.
“Today the Government has presented a broad vision for post-Brexit fisheries that is clear and cogent - and importantly, is aligned with international law. I am sure that it will attract wide support across the industry and Parliament,” commented NFFO chief executive Barrie Deas, while SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong’s response was also positive.
“The white paper enshrines the important elements that we have been arguing for to forge a sustainable future for our industry: allowing the UK to become an independent coastal state, to take charge of who catches what where and to resist any and all attempts to link access to our waters to access to EU markets,” he said.
“There is a long way to go, and we now need our governments to show real backbone in the Brexit negotiations to ensure that these aspirations become reality.”
NGOs critical
In response to the announcement, Client Earth stated that the white paper fails to protect British fisheries and marine environment, and the proposals lack detail.
“Yet again we’re seeing the government talking the talk, but it has failed to back up almost any of its promises with details or concrete action,” said ClientEarth law and policy advisor Tom West.
“Michael Gove has said he wants to use the opportunity of Brexit to secure a ‘sustainable marine environment for the next generation.’ This is the chance to set an ambitious agenda – but today’s plans are really no better than the status quo.”
Greenpeace political advisor Paul Keenlyside said that with local, low-impact fishing communities in the UK having been hung out to dry for years, it is disappointing to see that the long awaited White Paper does little to resolve this.
“If the Government really believes that fish in the sea are a public resource and the rights to catch them are a public asset, putting this principle into action should, by all rights, give a much bigger slice of the pie to local, low-impact fishers,” Paul Keenlyside said.
“We don’t want to see a ‘fill your boots’ fisheries policy that decimates our precious seas and cripples our fishing communities. Proposals must put the right focus on managing fish stocks in a sustainable way and protecting our marine environment,” commented Dr Lyndsey Dodds, Head of Marine Policy at WWF.
“As we leave the EU we must use our power wisely and ensure any increase in fishing doesn’t threaten our marine environment. That means there must be clear commitments to a healthy ocean, underpinned in law in the forthcoming Fisheries Bill.”
