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Fishing Industry

28 November 2024

Lead MP

Alistair Carmichael
Orkney and Shetland
Lib Dem

Responding Minister

Daniel Zeichner

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Word Count: 24453
Other Contributors: 18

At a Glance

Alistair Carmichael raised concerns about fishing industry in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

The lead MP asks the Minister to outline priorities for upcoming negotiations and highlight the role of fisheries science. He requests engagement with the industry to ensure their voice is heard in the review of the trade and co-operation agreement, aiming to improve access to UK waters post-2026. The Government needs to ensure a long-term approach to fishing quotas based on scientific evidence that balances food production with environmental protection and supports sustainable practices. There is also a need to protect heritage industries like the Fal oyster farms from sewage dumping and to have wider consultation when planning for floating offshore wind projects.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Orkney and Shetland
Opened the debate
The fishing industry faces significant challenges including annual negotiations with the EU and Norway, which are described as 'crazy' for their year-by-year nature. Data-deficient stocks result in automatic precautionary quota cuts of at least 25%, impacting valuable species like ling and lemon sole. The lack of investment in fisheries science has led to diminished data quality, affecting quotas. There is a shortage of crew due to strict visa requirements, especially for boats within UK territorial waters. Offshore wind projects are also encroaching on fishing grounds. Cornwall's fishing industry is vital for food security, jobs, and tourism. The EU-UK negotiation process has led to a £20 million reduction in fishing opportunities for the Cornish fishing fleet over the past two years. There have been instances where quota reductions were too abrupt for fishers to adjust to, such as when the pollack quota was set at zero last year without warning, leading to compensation for Cornish fishermen.

Government Response

Daniel Zeichner
Government Response
Served with Dr Huq in the Chair and thanked the right hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland for securing this debate on the fishing industry, praised strong representation from Scotland and south-west of England, highlighted safety issues in fishing, recognized efforts to improve safety, outlined Government's commitment to sustainable fisheries management, discussed negotiations on post-2026 access, emphasized support for British fishing industry, addressed challenges facing the sector, detailed ongoing negotiations with Norway and Faroes, talked about fisheries management plans, mentioned remote electronic monitoring, raised concerns over cetacean catches, highlighted marine spatial prioritisation, spoke about labour shortages, discussed enforcement of illegal fishing.
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About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.