🎣 Fishing Quota Negotiations: Impact on UK Fleet

• Quota Negotiations and UK Fishing Fleet: The debate focused on the impact of 2025 quota negotiations on the UK fishing fleet, highlighting concerns about the sustainability and economic outcomes of the agreements made.

• Political Use of Fishing Industry: There is concern that the fishing industry could be used as a bargaining chip in larger political negotiations, such as those related to national security and defense agreements with the EU. MPs emphasized that fishing should not be sacrificed for other national interests.

• Scientific Advice and Quotas: The negotiations are heavily influenced by scientific advice from bodies like the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). MPs discussed the need for timely and accurate scientific data to guide sustainable fishing practices and quotas.

• Impact of Brexit: The effects of Brexit on the fishing industry were debated, with some arguing that Brexit has negatively impacted the sector, particularly in terms of exporting fish to the EU and dealing with increased regulatory burdens.

• Specific Species Concerns: The discussion included detailed concerns about specific fish species like pollack, Dover sole, and bluefin tuna. There were calls for better management strategies, especially for pollack, considering its abundance and the impact of regulations on small-scale fishers.

• Support for Small-Scale Fishing: MPs discussed the importance of supporting small-scale, low-impact fishers, suggesting that regulations should be adjusted to better suit their operations without the burdens placed on larger vessels.

• Spatial Squeeze and Offshore Development: The impact of offshore developments, like wind farms, on fishing areas was highlighted as a concern known as “spatial squeeze”, affecting where fishers can operate.

• Food Security and Fishing: Several MPs stressed the importance of the fishing industry for food security, arguing that it should be treated as a critical national resource.

• Future Negotiations and EU Relations: As the current EU-UK trade and co-operation agreement’s fisheries adjustment period ends in 2026, there is anticipation and concern about future negotiations. The government expressed a commitment to securing a favorable outcome for the UK fishing sector in these talks.

• Government and Industry Collaboration: The Minister emphasized working closely with the fishing industry to develop policies, including trialing new approaches in quota negotiations and considering multi-year quotas for more stable planning.

• Safety and Welfare in the Industry: The dangerous nature of fishing was acknowledged, with calls for improved safety measures and mental health support for those in the industry.

• Environmental Considerations: The debate touched on environmental sustainability, including bycatch issues and the need for the industry to protect marine life while continuing to operate effectively.

The session on ‘Fishing Quota Negotiations: Impact on UK Fleet’ displayed a moderate level of disagreement among the participants. The disagreements were primarily centered around the impact of Brexit on the fishing industry, the use of the fishing industry as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the EU, and the management of specific fish stocks such as pollack and Dover sole. Here are the key points of disagreement and examples to support the rating:

1. Impact of Brexit on the Fishing Industry: There was a clear disagreement on whether Brexit has been beneficial for the UK fishing industry. John Lamont (Con) argued that Brexit has increased opportunities for UK and Scottish fishing, citing the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation’s view. In contrast, Andrew George (LD) strongly disagreed, stating that the impact has been net negative, particularly for his region, due to issues like export challenges and veterinary inspections.

   Example: - John Lamont: “Since the UK left the EU in 2020, the UK and Scotland’s opportunities have increased greatly…” - Andrew George: “No, I disagree. I think that overall, the impact on the fishing industry has been a net negative…”

2. Fishing Industry as a Bargaining Chip: Several members expressed concern over the potential use of the fishing industry as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the EU, particularly in relation to defense agreements. This was a point of contention, with members urging the government to stand firm and not compromise the industry’s interests.

   Example: - Seamus Logan (SNP): “Is he concerned about reports that our French allies are seeking to link fishing quotas to other matters, such as access to the €150 billion defence budget?” - Andrew George: “It would be a great pity if that happened again… the fishing industry is not a bargaining chip that can be handled in that manner.”

3. Management of Fish Stocks: There were disagreements on the management of specific fish stocks, particularly pollack and Dover sole. Andrew George highlighted the issues with the current quotas and the need for updated scientific advice, while the Minister, Daniel Zeichner, emphasized the need to follow ICES advice, which suggested a zero catch for pollack.

   Example: - Andrew George: “The headline impact is that on pollack, which is very much bycatch fishing only…” - Daniel Zeichner: “The ICES advice is what we have to follow. Its advice is for a zero catch, as last year, and it does not see signs of recovery.”

While there were clear points of disagreement, the session also showed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and a shared goal of supporting the fishing industry. The disagreements were not overly contentious, and there was a general consensus on the importance of the industry and the need for sustainable management. Therefore, a rating of 3 is appropriate, reflecting a moderate level of disagreement within a generally cooperative and focused discussion.