Key Facts

• The deadline for publishing the joint fisheries statement is extended from 18 months to two years after Royal Assent.
• Disputes could result in no joint fisheries statement being published by January 1, 2022.
• A dispute resolution system will be established by regulations.
• The amendment seeks to establish a dispute resolution mechanism.
• O'Hara doubts the impartiality and fairness of the Government in creating this system.
• There are concerns about potential conflicts of interest if the Secretary of State oversees both English fisheries and dispute resolution.
• Amendment would ensure fisheries statements are reviewed every five years instead of six.
• Six-year review period is considered inadequate for effective policy making and parliamentary scrutiny.
• Walker cites insufficient time given in Parliament for fisheries debates.
• Amendment 66 aims to change the review period from six years to five years.
• Amendment 67 proposes a 45-day timeframe for publishing amendments to the SSFS.
• The proposed changes aim to provide greater certainty and governance for fisheries management.
• Six-year review period matches joint fisheries policy statement review period.
• Clause 5 allows Secretary of State to amend fisheries statement as needed.
• Government committed to reporting progress every three years in response to EFRA Committee recommendations.
• Fisheries management plans must be reviewed at least every six years.
• Part 3 of schedule 1 sets out the administrative process for preparing and publishing fisheries management plans.
• The amendment would require fisheries policy authorities to consult other authorities if a joint fisheries statement has not been agreed upon.
• The government already collects information from scientific bodies, regulators, statutory advisers, and industry.
• Recreational fishing community will be included in consultations when appropriate.
• Amendment seeking additional consultation requirements was withdrawn.