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KELSEYmedi
19 MARCH 2020 Issue 5506 £3.30
KELSEYmedia
14 MAY 2020
SCOTS QUOTA TRIALS
TURN TO
PAGE 2 FOR
THE FULL
REPORT
Osprey flies high at Whitby launch ceremony
The new Scrabster vivier-crabber Osprey WK 4 was Osprey is lifted into the
lifted into the river Esk by a specialist heavy-lift crane water at Whitby by a
and named in early spring sunshine at Whitby last week, specialist crane. (Photo:
reports David Linkie. Ceri Oakes)
Built by Parkol Marine Engineering for Andrew and
Diane Watt of Holborn Fishing Company Ltd, the 19m
Osprey was named by Diane Watt and her youngest
son Danny breaking the traditional bottle of champagne
on the port bow.
Murray Campbell, a former Fishermen’s Mission
superintendent at Scrabster, conducted the blessing
service on the quayside at Whitby.
One hundred and sixty family members and friends
travelled to Whitby from around the world, including
Australia and Canada, as well as Kinlochbervie,
Stornoway, Orkney, Aberdeenshire, Caithness and
England, to help to celebrate the owners’ special
day. After being given the opportunity to look over
the virtually completed Osprey, the guests enjoyed a
celebratory evening function at The Stables in Whitby.
Continued on page 3
Diane and Andrew Watt with their sons Craig, Ian and Danny
after the naming ceremony. (Photo: Scott Wicking)
2 NEWS Visit us at fishingnews.co.uk and on Twitter @YourFishingNews 19 March 2020
Scots trial new Quota Management Groups
QMGs will run alongside POs until end of 2021
New arrangements for managing the same sectoral quota management Marine Scotland said its aims for how they align with Scottish and sustainable way.
quotas through new legal bodies responsibilities as POs currently have. the trial are to: government objectives for fisheries “Quota management groups
called quota management groups Marine Scotland said that • Help inform future policy around management – specifically, how they will have to operate in line with
(QMGs) are being trialled in the aim of the trials is ‘to inform sectoral quota management as part optimise annual quota opportunities Scottish government objectives
Scotland. future policy’. “Private bodies, of its Future Fisheries Management and sustainable fishing, and how they and demonstrate that they have the
These organisations, which will which meet the recognition criteria initiative support Scottish communities where expertise, systems and processes in
have to be based in Scotland and and objectives for QMGs, will be • Gain insight into the benefit fishing is a viable career option and place to manage quotas effectively
administer Scottish-registered vessels, granted sectoral management rights returned to Scottish communities by value is added throughout the supply and sustainably on behalf of their
will be given responsibility for and responsibilities for the quota QMGs/sectoral groups chain. vessels.
allocating quotas in a sustainable way associated with licences of vessels • Gain a greater understanding of As in the rest of the UK, Scottish “By working closely with Marine
within their group of boats. they administer until the end of the utilisation of quota – a national POs are recognised under EU Scotland, the quota management
The new QMGs will operate 2021.” asset – by private bodies legislation and manage sectoral groups will potentially increase the
alongside the POs that currently QMGs will sit alongside POs, • Establish whether private bodies quotas on behalf of their members. understanding of our sea fisheries
manage quotas until the end of the and will have specific objectives and outside of the PO structure can Scottish fisheries secretary Fergus sector. Our hope is that the trial will
trial period in December 2021, when criteria. Groups wanting to set up a manage quota effectively and in line Ewing said: “We are constantly bring benefits to Scottish coastal
a full evaluation will take place. QMG will have to apply to Marine with Scottish government objectives. looking at how we can manage our communities and inform future
Recognised QMGs will have many of Scotland for recognition. QMGs will need to demonstrate fishery resources in the most efficient policy.”
Reasons for QMG trials
Marine Scotland said legislation, but because
REQUIREMENTS FOR QMG RECOGNITION
that the time was right to the UK has left the EU, A QMG must have legal personality, and its headquarters must be registered in Scotland.
start the QMG trials for a it is appropriate to test Only Scottish vessels registered in a Scottish port can operate within a sectoral QMG, which must have at least
number of reasons. alternative arrangements two active fishing vessels and can manage only TAC/quota stocks.
One was that some for managing Scottish Vessels administered by a QMG must be active in its area of operation and satisfy collective economic activity
‘legal entities’ appear quota. criteria at national and district levels.
to seek, or maintain, Another reason A QMG must demonstrate that it has the expertise to manage commercial fishing vessels and that it has effective
PO status so that they is that the operation systems and processes for managing the quotas allocated to the QMG and the individual vessels it administers.
can manage quotas, and management of This includes having transparent quota management rules and a designated quota manager.
rather than carry out UK-recognised POs is
the marketing function currently subject to EU
that was their original ‘infraction proceedings’.
role under EU (Common
Organisation of the Market
– CMO) regulations.
“The Commission alleges
that UK authorities have
failed to adequately verify
Questions over future of POs post-Brexit
“Scottish POs have that POs comply with EU The QMG trials could herald “Now that all UK POs have “And, of course, the reality is that
effectively managed the law, as UK POs do not a significant change in the been audited by their respective POs are constructs of the CFP –
quota allocated to them fully meet the recognition management of Scottish quotas and administrations, we may find that rules which the UK fishing industry
and helped ensure that criteria contained in the perhaps UK quotas, reports Tim some struggle to demonstrate will no longer have to abide by after
quota is utilised efficiently. CMO regulation,” says Oliver. sufficient compliance with CMO the end of the transition period.
However, this is an Marine Scotland. John Anderson, chief executive requirements. It appears that “Given these developments, one
opportune moment to “QMGs provide an of the Scottish Fishermen’s Marine Scotland’s decision to does wonder what the future holds
allow legal entities, other alternative for legal Organisation, the biggest PO in introduce the QMG trial in Scotland for POs now that the UK has left
than POs recognised entities, which do not wish Scotland and in the UK, said that the would give affected Scottish POs the EU, and certainly, we should be
under the CMO regulation, to benefit from obtaining trials raised a question mark over the the option to either resolve the under no illusion that there won’t
to manage quota on a or retaining PO status future of POs now that the UK has compliance issue and remain a PO, be changes to the way in which our
trial basis,” says Marine under the CMO regulation, left the EU. or alternatively convert to a QMG, domestic fisheries management
Scotland. to manage quota uptake He said it appeared that by with derecognition and a loss of regime operates, including sectoral
It says that POs by a common group of introducing a trial of QMGs, Marine ability to participate in sectoral quota quota management, once we are a
are regulated by EU vessels.” Scotland was attempting to tackle management the consequence of fully functioning coastal state.”
two separate issues. doing neither.” Elaine Whyte, secretary of the
The first was the ongoing He said that the second issue was Clyde Fishermen’s Association
infraction proceedings raised by that Marine Scotland had indicated (CFA), said that the proposals were
the European Commission against that the QMG trial is intended to interesting and might be a helpful
the UK government and devolved inform future policy decisions under development for some Scottish
administrations. its post-Brexit Future of Fisheries communities.
“The Commission has, following Management (FFM) work. But she said that there were a lot
a complaint, accused our authorities “Indeed, the requirements of practical issues connected with
of effectively failing in their duties of QMGs, when you read the the formation of the QMGs, and that
to ensure UK POs have been fully application form, are rather robust, the CFA would need to meet Marine
compliant with the EU’s Common and hint towards conformity with Scotland officials to discuss the
Organisation of the Markets (CMO) certain policy objectives which are project in more detail before it could
regulation,” John Anderson told not currently requirements bestowed give a considered response to the
Fishing News. upon POs,” he said. development.
BRUSSELS SEAFOOD EXPO POSTPONED
The organisers of Seafood Expo Global and Seafood The organisers said that the Belgian government had
Processing Global in Brussels – the largest seafood industry issued advice to cancel indoor events with more than 1,000
exhibition of its kind – have announced that this year’s event, people to contain the spread of the new coronavirus.
due to be held from 21 to 23 April, is being postponed. “We value the support of everyone involved in the making
“Due to the magnitude of the unanticipated public health of this event – our vendors, the local authorities, the venue
and safety issues posed by the rapidly escalating COVID-19 and, most of all, our partners, friends and customers in the
outbreaks and contagion, we have no choice but to seafood industry,” Diversified’s spokesperson said.
postpone the upcoming edition of Seafood Expo Global and “We are looking forward to getting this strong seafood
“Can’t help feeling that our application to become Seafood Processing Global,” Diversified Communications community back together in the near future. Until then,
the ‘J&A Quota Management Group’ is let down by said. New dates for the 2020 expo will be announced by 18 we send heartfelt thoughts to those who are affected by
the address being ‘Rear Lounge, Harbour Bar’.” March. COVID-19.”
19 March 2020 Join Fishing News on Facebook http://on.fb.me/fishingnews NEWS 3
UK fleet returned Osprey flies high at Whitby launch ceremony
lower catch value Continued from page 1
Designed by SC McAllister & Co Ltd, the fully
shelterdecked Osprey has a registered length of
and quantity in 2019
16.45m and 7m of beam. A 32t vivier hold is
flanked by two frozen bait stores.
Pot hauling is centred on a Britannia 2t slave
unit and gunwale rail roller, positioned forward
UK vessels landed a total of Mackerel (£202m) was the of a re-toggling and shooting table. The galley and
618,129t for £926m in 2019, single most valuable species messdeck, together with a skipper’s cabin, are
according to provisional caught by UK vessels, ahead arranged in the full-width deckhouse.
figures published by the of Nephrops (£107m), crabs Osprey’s centreline machinery consists of a
MMO last week, reports (£76m), scallops (£57m), Mitsubishi S6A3 MPTAW main engine, a Reintjes
David Linkie. monkfish (£53m), cod (£53m) 7:1 reduction gearbox and a 1,900mm-diameter
In terms of overall catch and haddock (£50m). propeller. Two Baudouin auxiliary engines are also
value, the 2019 total is 6% In terms of individual fitted in the aft engineroom.
lower than the previous species, the biggest gains Named after one of the owners’ previous
year’s figure of £989m, while were Nephrops and whelks, crabbers, Osprey will replace their present boat
the tonnage is 11% lower which returned respective Sparkling Line WK 4, which has recently been
than the 697,508t landed catch value increases of re-registered WK 43 and is due to be sold next
in 2018. Highlighting quota 28% and 16%. month.
cuts across some of the In the demersal sector, Osprey is scheduled to run sea trials from Whitby Osprey is lifted into the river Esk ahead of the
main demersal and pelagic landings of cod dropped next week before steaming north to Scrabster. naming ceremony last week. (Photo: Ceri Oakes)
species, the figures also 30% by value, plaice 28%,
reflect an 8% increase in the megrim 18% and monkfish
average price per tonne of
all landings from UK vessels,
which rose to £1,532 from
11%.
The three main pelagic
species shared significant
Big differences as Brexit talks start
£1,421. drops in catch value, with There were ‘significant He said that the differences UK expects to table a number of
Of the overall catch blue whiting down 20%, differences’ between the UK revolved around competition legal texts, including a draft free
value by the UK fleet, mackerel 14% and herring and EU over fisheries in the rules, fisheries and future trade agreement, beforehand.
£721m/390,489t was landed 13%. first round of Brexit trade oversight of the UK-EU Meanwhile, DEFRA chief
into British ports and Peterhead was the UK’s negotiations, held in Brussels relationship. However, Michel George Eustice said that
£205m/227,640t was landed top port, with a catch value at the beginning of March, Barnier also told reporters that a the government has taken
abroad. of £171m from UK vessels, reports Tim Oliver. trade deal is still possible – but ‘significant steps’ to ensure
The overall total included followed by Fraserburgh In a statement to only if there is mutual respect the UK can enforce its fishing
£118m from 40,147t by the (£42m), Lerwick (£40m), MPs, Michael Gove, the and no reneging on previous rights.
under-10m fleet, of which Brixham (£36m), Newlyn minister in charge of the commitments. Answering a question from
shellfish accounted for £94m (£32m) and Scrabster (£31m). Brexit negotiations, said: The negotiations were Banff and Buchan MP David
and 32,709t. Further details will be “Discussions in some areas formally launched by the UK’s Duguid, he said: “These include,
Landings by foreign included in Fishing News identified a degree of common chief negotiator David Frost with respect to England via the
vessels into the UK last year next week. understanding of the ground and Michel Barnier on 2 March. MMO, increasing the number of
totalled £52m from 50,509t, that future talks could cover. In Discussions took place within 11 frontline warranted officers by
compared to £64m and other areas, notably fisheries, separate negotiating groups and 50% (35 people) for 2019/2020,
53,229t in 2018. governance and dispute closed on 5 March. putting in place a framework to
Shellfish contributed settlement, and the so-called “Both sides presented their increase aerial surveillance by
£367m/145,413t, demersal ‘level playing field’, there positions, as set out in the EU a maximum of two surveillance
£319m/164,407t and pelagic were, as expected, significant mandate and in the document aircraft as risk and intelligence
£240m/308,309t to the total differences.” ‘The Future Relationship with demands, and chartering two
catch value for the UK fleet Commission chief negotiator the EU – The UK’s Approach additional commercial vessels
in 2019. Demersal landings Michel Barnier also said to Negotiations’,” said Michael to enable an increase in routine
dropped 10% by value there was a big gap between Gove. sea-based inspections, to
and 7% by tonnage, while the two sides. According to “The UK’s team made clear supplement provision from the
pelagic catches were 12% The catch value of Nephrops the Reuters news agency, that on 1 January, 2021, the UK Royal Navy Fishery Protection
lower in value and 20% in rose by 28% to 107m in 2019, he told reporters after would regain its economic and Squadron.”
tonnage. Shellfish landings while overall landings by UK the negotiations: “To be political independence in full, He said that fisheries control
were 7% higher in terms of vessels were 6% lower by value completely frank with you… and that the future relationship and enforcement is a devolved
tonnage and 1% in value. and 11% by tonnage. there are many divergences, would need to reflect that matter, and that DEFRA
and they are very serious reality.” continued to work closely with
divergences, which is probably The next negotiating round the devolved administrations
quite natural after a first round was due to take place this week to ensure a co-ordinated
New dates set for Irish Skipper of negotiations.” (18-20 March) in London. The approach.
Expo 2020 – 4-5 September ‘SPANISH FLEET MUST HAVE ACCESS TO UK WATERS’
Irish Skipper Expo 2020 has to enable exhibitors and visitors A leading Spanish fishermen’s has happened on previous of mainly hake, megrim and
been rescheduled to take place to plan ahead. Our decision organisation says that occasions.” monkfish, worth around €27m, in
on 4 and 5 September at the to postpone the event was not guaranteeing continued access He said that CEPESCA UK waters.
UL Sport Arena in Limerick, taken lightly, but the wellbeing to UK waters and maintaining has reminded the Spanish For fishing vessel operators
following its postponement due of exhibitors and visitors is of reciprocal market access are key government that the fishing in Vigo, Celeiro, Burela, Coruña,
to uncertainty over the escalation paramount importance to us, issues in the Brexit negotiations, industry expects to see its Ondárroa and Santander,
of COVID-19 (coronavirus). and we had no other option, reports Fiskerforum. interests defended – which UK fishing grounds are of
Following discussions with given the circumstances. CEPESCA general secretary means maintaining access to UK significant importance. There
the UL Sport Arena and others, “We would like to thank the Javier Garat said: “If Spain’s waters. CEPESCA’s position is are 88 Spanish-flagged vessels
the rapid setting of a new date UL Sport Arena for working objective is to guarantee the in line with that of the European employing 2,150 crew that
aims to provide certainty for with us in setting a new date, rights of national companies, Fisheries Alliance (EUFA), of currently have the option of fishing
exhibitors and visitors alike, and as well as our valued exhibitors the access of the Spanish fleet which it is a member. EUFA in UK waters – 54 longliners,
allow plenty of time for planning for being so supportive during to the waters of the United president Gerard van Balsfoort 28 trawlers and six netters. In
and the rescheduling of diaries. this challenging period. We Kingdom must be given priority has made it clear to EU chief addition, there are 28 UK-flagged,
Sharon Boyle of show ask everyone to bear with us consideration. negotiator Michel Barnier that Spanish-owned fishing vessels.
organiser Mara Media said: “We as we endeavour to get more “We trust that by the access is highly important for the Javier Garat said that Spain
were determined to act swiftly information updated to our conclusion of negotiations, European fleet. exports an average of 21,000t of
and set a new date for the expo website shortly.” fishing will not have become The Spanish fleet currently seafood worth €95m to the UK
something to bargain with, as catches around 9,000t annually, annually.
4 COMMENT/LETTERS Visit us at fishingnews.co.uk and on Twitter @YourFishingNews 19 March 2020
COMMENT
EDITORIAL
Changes ahead in quota management EMAIL:
FISHINGNEWS.ED@
KELSEY.CO.UK
Marine Scotland’s announcement of trials to ‘infraction proceedings’ by the EU, on South of the border, the government Kelsey Publishing Ltd,
of Quota Management Groups (QMGs), the grounds that some are not being run attitude tends to be in favour of The Granary,
Editor
to run alongside Scottish POs for the best in accordance with EU requirements for maintaining the status quo in quota Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Dave Linkie
part of two years, could herald significant POs. management, and to favour the market- Yalding, Maidstone, email: david.linkie@kelsey.co.uk
changes in quota management after The fact that POs are EU institutions based ethos of ownership of FQAs and Kent, ME18 6AL 01434 607375
Brexit in the UK as well as in Scotland. raises the question of what their legal the trade in them.
Sectoral quota management by POs in status will be at the end of the transition The announcement of QMGs reflects
the UK is a system that has evolved over period, when EU regulations no longer this difference and the readiness of the
decades in response to various quota issues. apply. Scottish government to encourage a new
Although there are comprehensive Marine lawyers believe the most likely and more community-minded approach
quota management rules, they are subject outcome will be that legislation will be to how a national asset can best be
to change and were not formulated on introduced that will simply transfer POs utilised.
any set of fundamental principles. into legal UK – rather than EU – bodies, There are questions, however, as to
Quota management by POs on behalf with the remit to manage quotas as they just where the quota will come from for
of their members, and the trading of do now. the new groups to manage. There are a Managing editor
quota that goes with it, has become a Quota management will be a fixed number of FQAs, and if one group News correspondent Gaby Bartai
Tim Oliver email: gaby.bartai@kelsey.co.uk
fundamental element of the UK fisheries completely devolved issue after acquires more, someone else must lose. It email: t.oliver3@sky.com
management scene. This has tended to Brexit, and the Scottish government’s may be that some quota will come from
blur the fact that POs are, in fact, EU announcement of new groups dedicated the Scottish under-10 and non-sector
institutions that were originally set up as solely to quota management appears to pool. Some FQA holders currently in the
organisations to market their members’ anticipate this. membership of a PO may leave and join
catches under the Common Organisation For many years, there has been a one of the new groups, taking their quota
of the Market (CMO) element of the CFP. different attitude in Scotland towards entitlements with them.
While a few do carry out some ownership of quotas than in England. Despite the practical
marketing activities, the majority have Fish stocks tend to be regarded as a questions, this is an interesting
Lincolnshire, East Anglia and
become simply vehicles for quota national asset that should be used for initiative, and fishermen and Essex correspondent
Cornwall correspondent
management and trading. the benefit of the industry and fishing POs on both sides of the border Phil Lockley John Worrall
Following a complaint to the communities as a whole, rather than will watch closely to see how it email: email: johnrworrall@outlook.com
07748 644971
Commission, UK POs are now subject individual holders of FQAs. develops. phil@by-water.eclipse.co.uk
01326 340372
LETTERS
DUTCH FLEET FEARS WIND FARM IMPACTS
Sussex, Kent, Hampshire and
Dorset correspondent
John Periam
Art editor email: periam.photojournalist@
Nick Bond btopenworld.com
email: nick@talkmediasales.co.uk 01243 584718
Dear Editor, changed. Long-term organisms have is too high for cod, so Greenpeace’s
As a result of the gigantic expansion of disappeared and short-term organisms comment is ridiculous. MANAGEMENT
windmill parks close to the coast, Dutch have replaced them. Dab, sole and Apart from the loss of fishing Chief Operating Officer: Phil Weeden
Chief Executive: Steve Wright
fishermen are losing their fishing grounds. plaice have also moved away, due to the grounds due to huge windmill parks, Managing Director: Kevin McCormick
But it is also becoming a huge problem in same effect the windmills are causing. the compensation will also make fishing Finance Director: Joyce Parker-Sarioglu
shallow waters further out to sea. Small-scale gill-netters hardly catch any space smaller. The NGOs will be given Retail Director: Steve Brown
The Thornton Bank is a good example. sole or dab – while over 10 years ago, MPAs in order to compensate for the Audience Development Manager: Andy Cotton
HR & Operations Manager: Charlotte Whittaker
Quite a number of beamers from the the by-catch rate of dab was out of all construction of those wind farms, so Senior Print Production Manager: Nicola Pollard
South West coast fishing ports used to proportion. They even used boiled water fishermen will lose twice as much. Within Print Production Manager: Georgina Harris
fish there between Monday morning and to speed up the decomposition process a few years, there will be no space left Print Production Controller: Kelly Orriss
Thursday evening. Outside the wind of the dab they could not pick out of the for any kind of fishing in the southern Subscription Marketing Manager: Nick McIntosh
farm, it is possible to fish, but what they monofilament meshes. If they did not North Sea. The Dutch government ADVERTISEMENT SALES
see is that flatfish are becoming scarce. clean their nets, the smell of rotten fish underestimates the impact of the wind Gary Smythson, 01732 447008, gary@talkmediasales.co.uk
Wind farms in areas with strong currents was terrible. turbines on the ecosystem and sea birds. Simon Hyland, 01732 445327, simon@talkmediasales.co.uk
Production: Nick Bond
– almost the whole southern North Sea – The by-catch rate of dab is now Tel: 01732 447281
are causing sand displacement. very low. Some small-scale fishermen Willem Ment den Heijer Email: nick.bond@talkmediasales.co.uk
Normally, currents do the same in a tried to catch dab with a single-boat Scheveningen, The Netherlands SUBSCRIPTIONS
natural way, but due to the wind farms, trawl, but that did not work either. It UK subscription - £168.30 Europe subscription - £195.00
displacement of sand is increasing. That seems that a combination of a lack of Outside Europe subscription - £210.00
means that flatfish buried in the bottom nutrients (the water is too clean) and the Latest subscription offers please visit our website at
waiting for prey are almost permanently disturbance from sand supplementation yourfishingnews.co.uk
UK subscription and back issue orderline: 01959 543747
covered by sand. and windmills have affected the coastal Overseas subscription orderline: 0044 (0) 1959 543 747
In short, the extra sand displacement stocks. Toll-free USA subscription orderline: 1-888-777-0275
is disturbing their way of getting food. Recently, the Dutch government UK customer service team: 01959 543 747
So what happens is that flatfish species launched plans to build even more wind Customer service email address: subs@kelsey.co.uk
will disappear. They move away. This is farms. Dutch fishermen are afraid that Customer service and subscription postal address:
Fishing News Customer Service Team
the same impact we experienced on the they will lose important fishing grounds, Kelsey Publishing Ltd, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill,
west coast, where sand supplementation and they are aware about the impact of Yalding, Kent, ME18 6AL United Kingdom
is needed to protect the dunes, creating wind farms on the stocks. Greenpeace Kelsey Media 2019 © all rights reserved. Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing
Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden except with permission in writing from the
an artificial sandbank. The south-north claimed last year that cod like to spend publishers. Note to contributors: articles submitted for consideration by the editor must be the
current carries the sand all along the time in such windmill parks. But I do Renewable energy installations off original work of the author and not previously published. Where photographs are included,
which are not the property of the contributor, permission to reproduce them must have been
coast. not think that cod will migrate from the the Dutch coast are encroaching on obtained from the owner of the copyright. The editor cannot guarantee a personal response
Since the sandbank has been created, northern North Sea to the southern North traditional fishing grounds. (Photo: Willem to all letters and emails received. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily
those of the editor or the publisher. Kelsey Publishing Ltd accepts no liability for products and
the biodiversity around that area has Sea. Besides, the seawater temperature Ment den Heijer) services offered by third parties. Kelsey Media takes the privacy of your personal data very
seriously. For more information on our privacy policy, please visit: www.kelsey.co.uk/privacy-
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19 March 2020 Join Fishing News on Facebook http://on.fb.me/fishingnews NEWS 5
‘Look after fishermen as well as fish’
“We need to impress upon addressed through policy and She stressed that attracting young
policymakers that the sustainability collective action. people into the sector is crucial.
of those who work in fishing and Parliamentarians, industry “The sector needs particular support
coastal communities is just as representatives, environmental to compete to attract young people
important as the sustainability of NGOs, policymakers and many and create possibilities for younger
our fish stocks. It is not all about others gathered in a Commons generations. Work is especially
the fish!”, said Deborah Layde of committee room and shared insights required in smaller local fishing
Seafarers UK, reports Tim Oliver. from around the UK on the issues communities.”
She made the comment at a presented. The APPG that said the “The event provided a great
meeting of parliamentarians and session was its most popular to date. opportunity for our APPG members
representatives from across the The meeting heard of the to engage with people from Sheryll Murray MP (far left) chaired the panel of speakers. Left to
fisheries sector in Westminster challenges of commercial fishing, across the fisheries sector,” said right: Deborah Layde, Seafarers UK, Griffin Carpenter, New Economics
last week, convened to discuss the such as sporadic income, unsociable longstanding industry supporter Foundation and Arina Motova, Seafish.
socio-economic challenges and working hours and risks to health Sheryll Murray, MP for SE Cornwall,
opportunities facing UK fishing and safety. These factors and who chaired the event. “We had a industry and fishing communities “The average age of UK fishers is
communities. others can impact entire coastal wide-ranging discussion on how we face a major challenge in responding 42, with the average age of skippers
Deborah Layde flagged up that communities. Reports have can best support our precious fishing to a technological and economic much higher, especially in some
income insecurity was a top concern. highlighted that a substantial communities, and everybody left transition. regions,” she said. “The sector needs
She told the meeting: “Insecure, number of fishing communities with plenty of ideas on addressing He said: “If we are to address this, to attract younger workers to transfer
fluctuating incomes create problems suffer from socio-economic the socio-economic challenges that new policies will be required, but skippers’ knowledge to future
in maintaining regular payments for deprivation. these communities face.” first we need vision for the industry. generations. The main challenge
housing, council tax and priority “Uncertainty is now the main Proposed solutions to socio- Marine fisheries are, and will continue in this field is how to attract young
debts. These problems can then challenge for the industry,” said economic challenges were to be, a public resource owned by people, and how to compete with
lead to housing, mental and physical Arina Motova, chief economist broad-ranging and acknowledged society as a whole. Now is the time for better-paid and more stable jobs in
health issues.” at Seafish, who also spoke at the the complexity of the situation. new radical visions of what modern other sectors, especially as working
The Social and Economic meeting. “There is uncertainty Including fishers in management fisheries could look like.” conditions at sea or at a processing
Sustainability event, arranged by in future quota and fisheries and policy decisions, and developing Arina Motova of Seafish said after plant are often seen as less attractive.
the All-Party Parliamentary Group management, uncertainty in trade port infrastructure, were among the the event that major issues were “I think that the industry and the
on Fisheries (APPG), provided relationships, and uncertainty in priorities discussed. uncertainty over the future supply government are working on these
a briefing on the issue for the availability of labour force. It’s very Griffin Carpenter, senior of labour for both the catching and challenges, and hopefully there will
seven parliamentarians present. difficult to plan any business or researcher at the New Economics processing sectors, and the need to be more certainty soon in relation to
It discussed how issues can be investment in this environment.” Foundation, said that the UK fishing attract new recruits. the future.”
SEAFARERS’ HOSPITAL SOCIETY APPOINTS NEW CEO
The Seafarers’ Hospital Society (SHS) has of first-rate health services to the seafaring
FISHING
NEWS
announced the appointment of a new chief community in the United Kingdom.” AWARDS
executive officer, Sandra Welch, formerly Sandra’s appointment comes at an CORRECTION
chief operating officer at the Sailors’ Society exciting time for the society, with a number of
and director of its programme team. recent successes in the health development Luke Geddes
SHS chair Peter McEwen said: “We are arena, including the SeaFit programme for was erroneously
delighted to welcome Sandra Welch as fishermen, the creation of the Seafarers’ shortlisted in the
our new CEO and look forward to working Physiotherapy Network and the development Trainee Fisherman
with her over the coming years. She brings of a standard in mental health training. With of the Year category
a wealth of experience of dealing with those successes have come some major in the Fishing News
seafarers, running projects and managing changes to the role. Awards 2020 shortlists
people, which, together with her strategic “The role has changed significantly, with in the 5 March issue,
approach, made her the perfect choice for a greater emphasis on the ambassadorial and has been moved
the job.” aspects of the job. We also envisage to Young Fisherman of
Sandra Welch will be joining the society more day to day involvement in our health the Year. The winner
in early May, following the retirement of development work,” explained Peter of this category is
secretary Peter Coulson in August last McEwen. decided by a panel.
year. She joined the Sailors’ Society in 2014 “We’ll be recruiting an administrator to take We apologise for any
following 18 years in a variety of community on some of the governance-related tasks, inconvenience this
development roles at The Salvation Army, enabling Sandra to focus on team-building, may have caused.
both in the UK and abroad. strategy development and external relations. To vote in the open
“It is a real privilege to have been We’ll also be looking at how we can use her categories, visit:
appointed CEO of the Seafarers’ Hospital experience of the merchant navy sector to fishingnews.co.uk/
Society,” said Sandra. “I look forward to help us continue to develop our services to awards Voting closes
joining the society at this point in its history, this particular group. With our bicentenary at midnight on 17
and taking up the challenge of leading it in in 2021, we will be looking forward to new New Seafarers’ Hospital Society CEO Sandra April.
furthering the development of its broad range projects for all sectors.” Welch.
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6 NEWS Visit us at fishingnews.co.uk and on Twitter @YourFishingNews 19 March 2020
DEATH OF FIGHTER FOR FREEDOM FROM CFP
TOM HAY 1934-2020
T
om Hay, a leading figure in Westminster, Edinburgh and conferences for well over a
the fishing industry’s long Brussels on constitutional decade. He had the satisfaction
fight to be free of the EU legalities. It was FAL’s contention of finally seeing his dream of
Common Fisheries Policy, has that UK law was superior to freedom from the CFP come
died at the age of 85. He had EU law, and that the UK could within touching distance with the
been in poor health for some withdraw from the CFP if vote to leave the EU in the 2016
time. parliament voted to do so. referendum, and to fruition on 31
A lifelong fisherman from Tom Hay’s profound January, 2020.
Peterhead, Tom Hay came to knowledge of constitutional He leaves his wife Wilma,
national prominence in 1995 law and powers of argument two sons and a daughter, eight
when he became the first were memorably demonstrated grandchildren and 12 great
chairman of the newly formed shortly after FAL was formed, grandchildren.
Fishermen’s Association Ltd when he and other FAL leaders His funeral took place in
(FAL). FAL was set up to fight for met the then fisheries minister Peterhead on Saturday, 14 March.
the UK fishing industry and to Tony Baldry. To support the Darryl Godbold of Leigh-on-Sea
back the Save Britain’s Fish (SBF) government and establishment in Essex, who strongly supported
campaign for the UK to take back position that withdrawal from SBF and FAL and organised
control of its own waters out to the CFP was legally impossible, the Thames Brexit referendum Tom Hay fought for many years against overwhelming odds to free
the 200-mile limit/median line. It the minister read a letter to demonstration in 2016, said that British fishermen from the CFP.
was wound up in 2015. the delegation from his legal Tom Hay would be greatly missed.
SBF realised that it needed advisers confirming that EU law “He played a leading role in the Roddy McColl, who was than most what a disaster the
the backing of the whole British was superior to UK law. long fight to free the British fishing secretary of FAL throughout CFP would be for the British
fishing industry if it was to Tom Hay forced the minister industry from the EU and CFP, its existence, said: “It was fishing industry. He fought like
achieve its aims. But while rank to admit that his lawyers were and it’s good that he lived long a privilege to have worked a warrior for us to get back
and file fishermen strongly wrong, and that EU law only enough to see FAL’s aim achieved. alongside Tom and to call him a national control. He lived to
backed the campaign, the took precedence over previously I extend our sympathy and friend.” see Brexit, and let us hope that
national federations did not, passed domestic legislation in condolences to his family on their Brexit politician Nigel Farage the government fulfils the next
believing that leaving the CFP the UK. He asked Mr Baldry to sad loss,” he said. said: “Tom realised earlier stage.”
while remaining in the EU was confirm that EU law could only
politically impossible. apply in the UK for as long as the
Tom Hay was, at that time, British parliament allowed it to
chairman of the Scottish White
Fish Producers’ Association
do so. Mr Baldry admitted: “That
is correct.” ‘OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP AND COURAGE’
(SWFPA), one of the main FAL’s problem was that John Ashworth, founder of Save Britain’s Fish, pays a personal tribute to Tom Hay
members of the Scottish while withdrawal from the CFP
Fishermen’s Federation. The was legally possible, it was I knew Tom through business, outstanding leadership and for, but spread across to other
SWFPA also refused to back politically difficult. Neither the although not that well, before we courage against all odds. Eurosceptic movements.
the SBF campaign, and in Conservative government of joined forces through the Save He spent hours studying This was at a time when
September 1995, Tom Hay led the time, under prime minister Britain’s Fish campaign. constitutional law, to the many said it was an impossible
a walkout from the association. John Major, nor the Labour It all started 28 years ago, when extent that he could take on task, and that the UK would
This led, shortly afterwards, to government that followed under representatives of the Scottish any barrister. His first public never ever leave the European
the formation of FAL (whose Tony Blair’s leadership, would industry came down to York for appearance was in Cork, Ireland, Union – which, thankfully, Tom
slogan became ‘Facts Against contemplate taking the UK out a training meeting, and I met in May 1993, when his powerful knew happened at 11pm this 31
Lies’). Tom Hay was its first of the CFP and re-imposing them at the railway station and and passionate speech was the January.
chairman, a position he held until national control of fisheries. took them to their hotel. Later, forerunner of many to come at It is not just our industry, but the
2008. But Tom Hay and FAL refused I spoke to them all about my political conferences and various United Kingdom that owes Tom
He was a forceful and to accept defeat, and he and concerns for our industry. Tom meetings around the whole of the a great deal of gratitude. It wasn’t
unyielding champion of SBF and other leaders of FAL and SBF saw the situation immediately UK. all heavy going – we had fun on
the campaign to restore national tirelessly lobbied successive UK and became our champion and Tom never flinched or faltered the campaign trail, and laughs at
control of Britain’s fishing governments to try to persuade dear friend, along with his family in his effort for the UK to take the antics we got up to, in order to
grounds, and became a self- them to back its policy of taking and the solid commitment and back control of our UK 200 get our message across.
taught expert in fisheries and back control of UK waters. dedication of his number two – nautical mile/median-line You were great, Tom – you will
constitutional law. Tom Hay was an inspiring John Thomson. zone, to benefit our coastal always be remembered, and our
He was able to hold his own, speaker and ceaselessly From that day, Tom communities. His inspiration was thoughts and prayers are with
and indeed outwit senior civil promoted FAL’s cause at commenced a journey of not just the industry he so cared your family.
servants and politicians, in meetings, rallies and party
UK ‘WILL BE A MAJOR PLAYER IN PELAGIC FISHERIES’
The UK’s new status as an coastal state, but will be a major “There is no sign that the deadlock the UK will negotiate robustly on its significant fisheries resources in its
independent coastal state was widely player in its own right in the pelagic will end any time soon.” own behalf. waters, a big market for fisheries
recognised at a recent seminar fisheries for mackerel, blue whiting He said that several participants “Given that a significant part of products, and diplomatic clout, the
held at the North Atlantic Seafood and Atlanto-Scandian herring,” said in the conference wondered the most profitable pelagic fisheries, UK will be a force to be reckoned
Conference in Bergen, reports the NFFO chief executive Barrie Deas. whether the arrival of the UK as notably for mackerel and blue whiting, with.”
NFFO. “At present, a stalemate exists a major independent player could take place within the UK EEZ,
An audience of invited guests between Norway, Faroes, the EU, break the stalemate, which has the UK begins with a very strong
heard from a panel which included Iceland and Greenland on their prevented agreement on co-operative negotiating hand. That said, the new
representatives from the Norwegian, respective shares of mackerel, as the management of the stock. coastal state will be looking to make
Faroese and Danish pelagic migration patterns have shifted in “The NFFO explained that the UK strategic alliances with those other
organisations, along with the NFFO. recent years, and new players have could be expected to behave like any coastal states whose interests are
The seminar was organised by Norge elbowed their way into the fishery. other coastal state when it takes part aligned with those of the UK.
Sildesalgslag. “There are concerns that the total in annual coastal state negotiations,” “Access could be granted to fish
“Although the terms of the UK’s out-take exceeds scientific advice, and said Barrie Deas. in UK waters – but only where that
future relationship with the EU are the fishery is about to lose its MSC “It would give equal priority to brings proportionate benefits to the
still being thrashed out in negotiations status as a result. That the stocks have management measures that deliver UK.”
that began in Brussels this week, there remained robust under this increased sustainable fisheries in the long term He said that the big players in the
seemed to be broad acceptance in pressure says something about the – along with the pursuit of its own North Atlantic pelagic fisheries are A pelagic fisheries seminar was
the room that beginning in 2021, the difficulties in assessing this widely interests. All negotiations require preparing for the UK’s arrival as an held at the North Atlantic Seafood
UK will not only be an independent distributed stock. compromise, but it is already clear that independent coastal state. “With Conference in Bergen.
19 March 2020 Join Fishing News on Facebook http://on.fb.me/fishingnews NEWS 7
Imported lobster Plymouth aims to become ‘new epicentre’
concerns raised of sustainable fishing in England
Plymouth Council is hoping that Park plans and celebrate its rich growth can be an issue. Help could
six years ago
its new draft Plan for Sustainable maritime and fishing culture come in the form of a new legal
Fishing will revitalise the industry • Supporting people with a career body or fishing co-op to help with
in the city. in fishing – the average skipper easier access to finance.
Fishing has always been a is aged 54 and a crew member
The Scottish Creel Fishermen’s Canada, and the way they part of the city’s DNA, and the 38. The plan puts forward ideas Plymouth is currently home to
Federation (SCFF) says that it were kept and the potential for local industry has been growing to bring in more women, former the second-largest fresh fishmarket
called for a ban on imported disease’. Her concerns were steadily over the past 20 years. military personnel and school in England and lands around
live lobsters as long ago as also raised with Jim Watson, Now the council is aiming leavers, as well as improving 13% of England’s total fish catch
2014, and continues to do so, head of inshore fisheries in to launch the first stage of a training each year. It directly employs over
amid concerns over reports of Scotland. ‘renaissance’ with its draft Plan • Sustainability – Plymouth 480 people, and over 1,920 in
American (or Canadian) lobsters She referred to ‘disquiet’ at for Sustainable Fishing. could be a test facility for greener the wider supply chain. Between
being caught in UK waters, a report in the Evening Times Council leader Tudor Evans buildings and cleaner propulsion 50% and 60% of the fish sold at
reports Tim Oliver. that a diner at a Spanish tapas OBE said: “Fishing matters. There systems for the fleet the market arrives by land from
CEFAS and DEFRA have bar in Glasgow had paid £28 is so much to be proud of: the • Policy support and lobbying, to surrounding towns and villages,
launched a campaign asking for a live lobster from Canada heritage, the variety of fish caught, ensure the best deal for Plymouth showing how vital the fishmarket
fishermen to keep and report ‘because he could not bear to the breadth of the fleet. There is fisheries in the trade negotiations is to the region.
any catches of these lobsters, see it killed’. He took it to Troon nowhere else with our pedigree, with the EU, to ensure its mixed The council is looking for input
rather than returning them to beach, where he removed but we need to be prepared for fleet grows and prospers, as well to its draft plan, and wants to hear
the sea (Fishing News, 5 March, the rubber bands around its change and ready to seize any as lobbying to be administrative what stakeholders think about how
‘Retain and report American claws and released it. “This opportunities that arise. capital of fishing in the UK the city can seize opportunities,
lobsters’). ‘act of mercy’ is at one level “As we exit the EU, this • The right business support for and address challenges faced by
There are concerns that these quite a funny tale, but there are industry’s fortunes could growth – raising finance to support the industry.
lobsters could have a negative serious underlying concerns,” dramatically change. As Britain’s
impact on the UK indigenous Dr Campbell told Richard Ocean City, we need to do all we
species. A particular worry Lochhead. can to support an industry that is
is that they could spread the She pointed out that so pivotal to our story. We want
bacterial disease gaffkaemia, releasing a live American to help fishing take advantage
which could cause big lobster into the Clyde could of the new fisheries bill and of
problems for UK shellfishermen. potentially introduce gaffkaemia negotiations on the fishing policy
SCFF leader Alistair Sinclair into local lobsters, which following the UK’s departure from
said that in 2014, the SCFF have ‘little or no resistance to the European Union.
wrote to the then Scottish the disease, unlike the North “We secured funding from the
fisheries minister Richard American species’. European Maritime and Fisheries
Lochhead, calling for the She asked several questions Fund and employed consultants
Scottish government to ban in relation to the legality of Arcadis, who have been looking
the importation of live lobsters, the importing of the lobsters, ahead and exploring what needs
as gaffkaemia is ‘a particularly including the role of the Food to happen for the industry to
nasty’ disease. Standards Agency Scotland capitalise on this change.”
“The suggestion was kicked (which was copied into the Themes include:
into the long grass, as per letter) in the issue.
usual, or thought not to be There were also concerns • The right facilities, regenerating
of any significance,” he told about sizes, because Scottish the fishmarket and the Fish Quay.
Fishing News. lobsters must be greater than This could form a key element Plymouth Council’s draft plan aims to position Plymouth as the ‘new
“I have heard it likened to foot 87mm carapace size, while of the city’s National Marine epicentre’ of sustainable fishing in England.
and mouth in cattle. If it was American lobsters can be sold
transferred to our native stocks, at 83mm.
we could face a problem of
huge proportions.
“There is concern amongst
the Scottish fishermen that
IRISH INDUSTRY ‘DECEIVED’ BY SFPA ON PELAGIC WEIGHING
“We would call for a ban on these imports are damaging Pelagic fishermen have accused agreement, but just days later, weight of the fish represented
all live imports. This would allay their capacity to sell into the the Sea-Fisheries Protection when Genesis II landed its a loss of over €180,000 to the
the fears of many fishers,” he market. What they clearly Authority (SFPA) of backtracking catch of mackerel in Killybegs company involved, and of 136t
said, adding that if the product do not want is the added on an agreement regarding the on 26 February, the SFPA of mackerel quota to the Irish
is cooked, there is no problem. fear of imported disease,” Dr weighing of mackerel landings at did the opposite of what had industry.
In a 2014 letter to Richard Campbell told the minister. piers, reports Pauric Gallagher. been agreed in Oranmore and Vessel owners, fishing
Lochhead, Dr Sally Campbell, There are also concerns at The SFPA advised that instructed the skipper to operate organisations and pelagic
a marine ecologist and board the practice by some religious from mid-February, pelagic the weighbridge, officially processors have expressed
member of SCFF, who advises groups of releasing live ‘verification’ weighing of pelagic cautioning him that he was anger and dismay. One industry
the federation on the marine American lobsters into the sea species would take place at obligated to do this. representative told Fishing
environment, said that there in misguided acts of kindness, piers prior to transportation Each tanker hauling the catch News: “The SFPA has deceived
were ‘serious concerns about as highlighted in the CEFAS/ for processing. Industry was weighed at the pierside and the whole fishing industry here.
the import of live lobsters from DEFRA ‘Retain and Report’ representatives then met with weighed again at the factory What it has done by reneging
the east coast of the USA and campaign. the SFPA in Oranmore, Co scales. When both weigh-ins on its agreement with industry
Galway, where an agreement were compared, there was a representatives is a complete
was reached to confine pierside discrepancy of approximately breach of faith, and seriously
Seafood 2040 survey weighing in the spring fishery to
blue whiting.
Industry representatives
136t; this was water, but the
SFPA had recorded it as fish.
The variation between the SFPA’s
calls into question its credibility
as the state agency with the
responsibility of regulating the
targets recruitment issues notified their members of the recorded weight and the actual fishing industry.”
Individuals and businesses in the The research will be facilitated to participate in workshops in the career development and the The Seafood 2040 Strategic
fishing industry in England are being by Seafish and is funded by the South West, South East/London and recruitment and retention of quality Framework is the result of shared
asked to participate in a survey that EMFF. It aims to identify issues, Yorkshire/Lincolnshire, and/or a staff. enterprise from stakeholders across
aims to identify issues and gaps in gaps and solutions in skills, training, one-to-one telephone interview. “We’d like to know what is working, the seafood supply chain in pursuit
skills training and recruitment. recruitment and retention in the Project manager Kimberly Cullen what is not, and why? Where are of a forward-thinking action plan
The Seafood 2040 Strategic fishing, aquaculture, processing, said: “This research is an excellent the gaps? What are the necessary for an industry that is sustainable
Framework for England is seeking fishmonger (supermarket and opportunity for businesses and changes for skills and recruitment and truly thriving. It contains 25
to capture the seafood industry’s independent) and fish fryer sectors. vessel owners in the catching, improvement in your sector? We recommendations, and is solely
thoughts on labour market patterns, Interested companies or individuals processing, aquaculture, fish fryer and want to support meaningful change, focused on the industry in England.
training and career planning, in order will be asked to complete an online fishmonger sectors to tell us exactly so we’re using this research to gather Find out more at: bit.ly/2W324vS
to ensure that the industry has the survey specific to their sector. A what challenges they face in skills information so the right actions can To participate in the survey, contact:
right tools to prosper and retain talent. small sample will also be asked development, training availability, be taken.” kimberly.cullen@seafish.co.uk
8 NEWS Visit us at fishingnews.co.uk and on Twitter @YourFishingNews 19 March 2020
A NEW FISHERIES MANAGEMENT ERA
Fishing rights have become one of the totemic issues in the UK’s departure from the
EU. The NFFO examines where this new focus on fishing will take the UK industry
T
he principle of equal access parliament will provide UK explicit that leaving the EU means
has tied the UK into an ministers with the powers to leaving the single market and the
asymmetric, essentially manage UK fisheries outside the customs union (leaving aside the
exploitative relationship with the CFP complexity of the Northern Ireland
other fishing members of the EU • Although in the immediate backstop). Frictionless trade with
for over 40 years through the CFP. future EU retained law will the EU will therefore end.
The British government of the apply, the fisheries bill contains Parallel trade negotiations will
time knew what it was doing, but provisions which will allow those take place over the rest of this year,
considered fishing expendable to CFP rules to be rapidly adapted to unless they are truncated mid-year.
achieve other national objectives. meet UK requirements. The new government is explicit
When quotas were introduced in that the new trading and customs
1983, the UK’s quota shares terms will require businesses
reflected those distorted
access arrangements. The
All the signals, from to adjust, including those
trading in fish and shellfish
most notorious of these are
becoming well-known:
the prime minister across the UK-EU border.
There will be significant
• Channel cod: UK share
downward, are that the challenges.
There will be more
9%, French share 84%
• Celtic Sea haddock: UK
UK will stand its bureaucracy at borders to
adapt to. Live shellfish and
share 10%, French share
66%
ground on fishing fresh fish are especially
vulnerable to any form The NFFO urged ‘No Fishing Sell-Out’ during the Brexit negotiations,
of delay. What is clear and this remains vital as the trade talks commence.
British fishermen’s grievances By contrast, the EU has indicated is that fish and shellfish will
over these unfair arrangements that any free trade deal between continue to be caught, landed, negotiations, without the UK the investment be that Britain is ‘open
will not go away until the terms of the UK and the EU will depend sold, transported, processed and EU will be a much diminished for business’, or a more restrictive
the UK-EU fisheries relationship on free access to UK waters and consumed. There are businesses in force. In the North Sea, it will approach based on narrower
are reset. maintenance of the current quota the supply chain on both sides of control only around 20% of the national priorities?
The UK government cannot shares. the Channel which need this trade sea area, with the balance held by • Would fishing be treated
afford, politically, to emerge from The Commission has to work smoothly. the UK and Norway. In Western differently because fish is regarded
the negotiations ahead with a deal subsequently tried to open some Waters, the UK and EU will be as a national resource?
on fishing rights that does not negotiating space for itself by New equilibrium roughly equal partners in any • What would the effect be of a
reflect the UK’s changed status as referring to ‘reciprocal access’ and The government’s positioning future fisheries agreement. That is requirement to land all UK-caught
an independent coastal state. ‘stable quotas’. This careful use of and the political dynamics within very different from the CFP, when fish into the UK if the end user is
A sell-out on fishing would words is a fig leaf for retreat, and the UK suggest that the UK will the UK was a single voice amongst abroad?
irreparably damage the has brought a swift response from not back down on fishing in the 15, or 28. • What is the government’s
government’s credibility. Given this those member states who stand to forthcoming negotiations with the Many fishing communities in general position on concentration
background, all the signals, from lose under this formula. EU. the UK have something to look of ownership of fishing rights?
the prime minister downward, are Reciprocity means mutual However, the big change – that forward to. Significantly increased • What is the legal position on
that the UK will stand its ground benefit, and not disproportionate the UK will be an independent fishing opportunities will be the reallocation of quota? Would
on fishing. benefit for one party. And ‘stable’ coastal state under international available, although the changes compensation have to be paid
The EU’s current relationship suggests a new equilibrium, not the law – requires no negotiation will vary by fleet and area. where the quota holders have a
with third countries like Norway status quo. and happens by default. The legitimate expectation upheld by
provides the standard model This first wobble on the EU withdrawal agreement recognises Domestic fisheries policy the courts?
of how independent coastal side suggests that the negotiating as much, and accepts that access to The fisheries bill provides, in • Where would quota be
states relate to each other in the realities on fisheries are fish in each other’s waters will no outline, the future shape of reallocated to, and on what
management of shared stocks: understood in Brussels, if not yet longer be automatic, but will be a domestic fisheries policy: criteria, and what would the
accepted in some member states. matter of annual negotiation. consequences be?
• TACs are set on the basis of The logic of the UK’s status as The government has signalled • Initially, EU retained law,
scientific advice an independent coastal state is that that it is open to a fisheries adjusted where necessary to make These are big and complicated
• Quota shares reflect zonal if there is no agreement in July or agreement in which access to it operable, will be the basis for questions. It is likely that there will
attachment, which tends to be December, there is no automatic UK waters by EU vessels can be fisheries management. There will be a review and a strengthening
quite stable over time access to each other’s waters – presumed, subject to agreement be no dramatic overnight change of the economic link licensing
• There are agreed access exactly the same outcome as if on: • Responsibility for managing conditions.
arrangements the EU and Norway fail to fisheries will continue to be
Summary
• There are exchanges of mutually
beneficial fishing opportunities.
agree in their annual fisheries
negotiations. The big change – that devolved
• Management plans will The UK’s altered legal status as an
Polarised positions
Forcing the UK to trade
on WTO terms, unless it the UK will be an be applied at the level of the
fishery to be managed. This
independent coastal state, along
with the UK government’s publicly
On fisheries, the UK government
could not be clearer about the
again sacrifices its fishing
sector, would hurt the UK, independent coastal state structure provides significant
scope for co-management
stated political priorities, suggests
that although the forthcoming
future. The prime minister and but it would also damage • UK fisheries policy can be negotiations with the EU will be
senior ministers have been explicit several EU member states, under international law – expected to be much more tough, change will follow.
that: which might be expected agile and adaptive. As a coastal state, working
• The UK will act as an to withhold their consent. requires no negotiation within the framework of the
independent coastal state, in line This looks like an opening Economic links UN Law of the Sea, the UK can
with rights and responsibilities
defined in international law
negotiating gesture rather
than a realistic outcome.
and happens by Economic link licensing
conditions, to ensure that
be expected to behave like a
responsible independent coastal
(UNCLOS)
• The UK will have regulatory
What we have at this
stage are the polarised
default national quotas bring
proportionate economic
state – which will, nevertheless,
press for its own interests in
autonomy within the UK’s EEZ positions that might be expected benefits to the country that they fisheries negotiations.
• There will be no automatic at the beginning of any tough • Total allowable catch are allocated to, irrespective of After a period of transition,
access rights for non-UK vessels negotiations. On fisheries, the • Rebalancing of fishing who holds those quotas or where things will settle down into a new
– access will be subject to differential dependence of UK and opportunities. the fish is landed, have been in equilibrium.
negotiation EU fleets on access gives the UK operation since 1995.
• The UK is open to annual an unusually strong hand. There will be a new equilibrium. Questions arising from this are: This is an edited version of an
bilateral fisheries agreements with This is the shape of a future deal article that can be read in full
the EU and other countries Markets on fisheries. • Will the UK government’s on the NFFO’s website at: bit.
• Legislation passing through The UK government has been In international fisheries general policy towards inward ly/2IzF9jM
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