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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
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.
South East Cornwall
Mackrory highlighted the precarious nature of under-10 metre fishing vessels and their critical role in sustainable fishing. She called for simplification of administrative requirements, restoration of quota for pollack, level playing field with anglers, and assistance with landing products and apprenticeships.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
He highlighted the challenges faced by under-10-metre fishing fleets, including mental health issues and financial hardships. He criticized recent fisheries management policies such as the pollack compensation scheme for not adequately supporting small-scale fishermen earning modest incomes. He urged the Minister to reconsider these policies and address other poorly managed stocks.
Derek Thomas
Cons
St Ives
Supporting the inshore fishing fleet, Derek Thomas highlighted the importance of national food security and the economic impact of fishing, noting that for every fisherman there are 15 jobs created. He commended the Fisheries Act 2020 and regional management plans, while calling for faster implementation to avoid future shocks like the pollack ban. He also asked about the continuity of the £100 million seafood fund.
Ogmore
The hon. Member discussed the importance of protecting coastal communities and called for a sustainable approach to fisheries management, emphasizing the economic significance of small-scale fishermen in Wales.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon raised concerns about the recruitment and training of local crew for under-10-metre boats across the UK, highlighting the need to attract younger people into the fishing industry. He also mentioned the importance of considering Northern Ireland's fishing fleet in quota allocation discussions and suggested dispersing unused quota among smaller vessels.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Concerned about the closure of Plymouth fish market, which will impose additional transport costs on local fishing communities. Emphasised the importance of a vibrant fishing industry for coastal communities and highlighted the need to preserve options for under-10 boats to land their catch in Plymouth. Called for support from the Minister to facilitate the reopening of the Plymouth fish market.
Sheryll Murray
Con
South East Cornwall
Ms Murray paid tribute to those lost at sea and thanked Plymouth Trawler Agents' David and Alison Pessell for their service. She noted the difficulties faced by Looe fleet due to the closure of the agents where landings have traditionally been sold, and urged for a resolution through collaboration with Harbour Commissioners. Emphasising her own experience as an under-10-metre trawler owner, she highlighted the struggles vessel owners face in making a living. She proposed reverting to the 1966 London convention terms that reserved access to six to 12-mile limit for UK vessels, which she believes could secure a future for the small inshore fleet. Murray briefly intervened to ask Mackrory a question.
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.
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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.