There has been widespread coverage in The Sunday Telegraph, The Independent and on BBC News Northern Ireland following our announcement that sets out further steps to deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment for generations to come.
Seizing the opportunities of our freedoms outside the EU, the UK is introducing a world class system of fisheries management which draws on the best available science and the expertise of our fishermen to ensure our fish stocks are healthy and sustainable long into the future.
The announcement has seen the publication of the first six Fisheries Management Plans – blueprints for how best to manage fish stocks.
There has also been a boost for the small under 10 metre vessels which are the lifeblood of our coastal communities, making use of our post Brexit quota increases by removing a cap on the amount of quota they can use and opening up more potential income for smaller businesses, a consultation on remote electronic monitoring, the awarding of a further £45.6 million from the UK Seafood Fund to modernise infrastructure across the UK seafood sector, and more.
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Thérèse Coffey, said:
The UK has some of the finest fish stocks in the world, forming an integral part of healthy marine ecosystems while providing livelihoods, enjoyment and prosperity to coastal communities.
Today’s reforms mark a clear departure from the outdated Common Fisheries Policy now we are an independent coastal state, and will deliver the UK’s ambition to build a modern, resilient and profitable fishing industry underpinned by sustainable fish stocks and a healthy marine environment for the future.