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Under-10-Metre Fishing Fleet: South-West

15 May 2024

Lead MP

Steve Double
St Austell and Newquay
Con

Responding Minister

Mark Spencer

Tags

TaxationClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 9435
Other Contributors: 7

At a Glance

Steve Double raised concerns about under-10-metre fishing fleet: south-west in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

He asked the government to provide more flexibility in allocating quotas for bass, tuna, and pollack; ensure sustainable commercial tuna quotas are developed; review restrictions on vessel licences; and take immediate action to help fishermen impacted by the closure of Plymouth fish market. He also called for renegotiating arrangements with the EU to limit foreign fishing within 12 miles of UK coast.

How the Debate Unfolded

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

Lead Contributor

St Austell and Newquay
Opened the debate
Mr. Steve Double expressed concern about the decline of the under-10-metre fishing fleet in Cornwall, citing statistics that it represents around 80% of UK vessels and provides 50% of catch-related jobs. The fleet is facing challenges such as climate change affecting fish migration patterns, high costs for quota entitlements due to climate-induced species shifts, and limited flexibility in the quota system.

Government Response

Mark Spencer
Government Response
The Minister responded by paying tribute to the fishing industry in the south-west, commending the innovative work of organisations like the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation. He acknowledged challenges such as pollack quotas, where around £400,000 has been paid out for compensation to affected fishermen. For bass management, he highlighted a fisheries management plan published last December. The Minister also noted that around 50 vessel owners will be directly compensated for half their reported pollack landings income in 2023. He expressed willingness to assist the fishing industry and work towards sustainable practices while balancing increased fishing opportunities with stock protection.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

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.