Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

UK Fisheries

12 February 2020 · 14 other contributors · 13,677 words

Opened by Sheryll Murray Con South East Cornwall

Responding minister: George Eustice

Brexit

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Sheryll Murray raised concerns about uk fisheries in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Ms Murray is concerned about the impact of past fishing policies on small boatyards and fishermen in her constituency, citing inadequate quota allocations under the common fisheries policy.
  • She highlights safety issues arising from new licensing conditions imposed by the MMO, which require skippers of under-10-metre boats to estimate fish catches within a 10% tolerance, risking criminal prosecution with severe penalties.
  • Ms Murray calls for the Minister to meet with fishermen's representatives and fish auctioneers to address concerns about the new MMO licensing app and requests the restoration of terms from the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 to prevent non-UK vessels from benefiting from UK fishing quotas.

Key requests to Government

Ms Murray calls for the Minister to meet with fishermen's representatives and fish auctioneers to address concerns about the new MMO licensing app. She also requests that the Government restores terms from the Merchant Shipping Act 1988 to prevent non-UK vessels from benefiting from UK fishing quotas, ensuring all catch is landed in UK ports. The Fisheries Bill should mandate that fish caught under UK quota be landed in UK ports to support job creation, and there should be a redistribution of quotas from large multinational companies to smaller boats to boost employment. The Government must also address safety issues and provide holistic support for the fishing industry.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Sheryll Murray Con South East Cornwall

Ms Murray is concerned about the impact of past fishing policies on small boatyards and fishermen in her constituency. She highlights that under the common fisheries policy, smaller vessels received inadequate quota allocations, leading to significant hardship for those involved in the industry. She also mentions safety issues arising from new licensing conditions imposed by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), which require skippers of under-10-metre boats to estimate fish catches within a 10% tolerance, risking criminal prosecution with severe penalties. Fleetwood's deep sea fishing industry suffered significant decline in the late 1960s and early 1970s, leading to a loss of jobs and identity for the town. The community is concerned about the impact of trade negotiations with the EU on UK waters and fears a sense of betrayal if control over fishing rights is ceded.

Other contributors (14)
  • Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland

    The speaker highlighted the need for political will from the Government to honour promises made to fishing communities. He cautioned against the historical treatment of fishermen by past governments and stressed the importance of involving scientists in fisheries management to ensure sound decisions.

  • Angus MacNeil SNP Na h-Eileanan an Iar

    Emphasised the need for non-EEA crews to help the fishing industry, noting a report showing discrepancies between self-reported and actual figures. Advocated for local control over fisheries in regions like the Hebrides, Orkney, and Shetland, suggesting a sovereign wealth fund. Highlighted concerns about trading away regional fishing rights and the need for clear guidance on selling catch to the EU.

  • Anthony Mangnall Con Tamworth

    Discussed the importance of securing free and independent coastal waters for UK fishing, highlighting issues with the under-10-metre fleet vessels and digital connectivity. He also emphasised the need for a ministerial representative for the English fishing fleet and expressed concern over Brixham's inability to bid for the maritime and fisheries fund due to its status as a local authority port.

  • David Duguid Con Banff and Buchan

    The MP expressed concern over the low percentage of fish caught by British boats under the common fisheries policy (CFP), which stands at less than 40% compared to nearly 95% for Iceland. He advocated for plans that support growth in Scotland's fishing industry and discussed challenges in attracting young skippers and crew from local communities. Additionally, he mentioned the need for discussions with the Home Office regarding non-EEA fishermen working on UK vessels under transit visas. The MP also highlighted economic potential in coastal communities beyond just the catching sector. Asked why Aberdeenshire Council has to cut back on environmental health officers despite agreeing with the need for them.

  • Derek Thomas Con St Ives

    Fishermen in west Cornwall want a fair share of quota and fisheries resources, safeguarding access to the zero to 12-mile limit, co-management involvement, and opportunities for small-scale, low-impact fisheries within the 12-mile limit. The speaker also mentioned the potential infrastructure spend of £50 million in Newlyn.

  • Ian Paisley Jnr DUP North Antrim

    Emphasised the importance of a good rapport between Westminster and Northern Ireland to ensure fair treatment for fishing interests across the UK. Highlighted that 80% of the UK's fishing effort in the Irish Sea comes from Northern Irish fishermen, who need to be treated fairly. Raised concerns about the potential conflict between Sinn Féin's policy in both parts of Ireland regarding EU fishery rights and called for proper negotiations on catch distribution.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon thanked the hon. Member for South East Cornwall for bringing forward the debate and recognised her commitment to the fishing industry. He highlighted the importance of getting things right during the transition period, emphasizing that it involves more than just fishermen but an entire industry including suppliers, hospitality, exports and wider economic matters. Shannon also praised the Fisheries Minister's efforts and mentioned the ongoing issue with non-European Economic Area fishing crew recruitment. He expressed hope for a pilot scheme to be endorsed post-Brexit and stressed the need for skilled crews for competitiveness. Shannon welcomed £30 million spending on fishing enforcement vessels but pointed out Northern Ireland's disadvantage due to restrictions on operating outside the 12-mile territorial limit compared to Scottish or English fishermen. He asked for clarity on quota allocation issues and concerns over tariffs when fishing boats land their catch in different parts of Great Britain.

  • Ken Clarke Con Wealden

    Mr Clarke supports Ms Murray's concerns regarding the new MMO licensing app and its potential to undermine trust among fishermen. He suggests that the threat of criminal prosecution for estimating outside the 10% tolerance should be removed.

  • Liz Saville-Roberts PC Dwyfor Meirionnydd

    She congratulated the hon. Lady on securing the debate and emphasised the importance of investing in health and safety measures for fishermen as they move into a new era without European Union funding.

  • Mark Tami Lab Alyn and Deeside

    He asked if there is a need to address issues with an app used by fishermen, noting that it has received a one-star rating on Google due to difficulties in recording certain species.

  • Owen Paterson

    He congratulated the hon. Friend on securing the debate and highlighted the issue of discards under the Common Fisheries Policy, suggesting that taking full control of UK waters could improve marine environments and coastal communities' livelihoods.

  • Peter Aldous Con Waveney

    Called for a fairer distribution of fishing opportunities favouring under-10-metre vessels, which make up the majority of the East Anglian fleet. Urged the Government to adhere to zonal attachment principles during trade negotiations to regenerate coastal communities and level out the UK economy. Emphasised the need to implement recommendations from the Renaissance of East Anglian Fisheries report for rebuilding the industry.

  • Richard Thomson SNP Paisley and Renfrewshire North

    He congratulated the hon. Member for South East Cornwall on securing the debate and expressed concerns about the differentiated relationship between Northern Ireland and Great Britain, questioning whether fish caught in Scottish waters would be landed in Scottish ports or through Northern Ireland. He also highlighted the importance of economic opportunities being seized on shore and mentioned that his group and the Scottish Government will carefully consider the Fisheries Bill to assess if it delivers for Scottish fishing communities.

  • Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn

    Ms Ruth Jones emphasized the importance of the UK fishing industry to communities across the country, expressing concern about the lack of progress in delivering on promises made during the EU referendum campaign. She highlighted issues such as fair distribution of fishing quotas, increased sustainability measures, and concerns over unnecessary red tape like the catch app. Additionally, she stressed the need for a frictionless border between the UK and Europe to maintain quality standards for fish products.

Government Response

George Eustice

I begin by congratulating my hon. Friend the Member for South East Cornwall (Mrs Murray), who has been a passionate campaigner for the fishing industry, noting her technical knowledge of this sector is second to none. The minister explained the genesis of the problem with the common fisheries policy, highlighting that in the 1970s, as the UK joined the European Union, it gave EU control over access to its waters and was simultaneously being driven out of traditional fishing grounds in Iceland. This led to an unfair share of the catch under relative stability, a mechanism set in stone since the late 1970s based on a non-representative reference period. The minister emphasized that the UK's right to control its exclusive economic zone is based on international law and not subject to negotiation with the EU. The minister stated that the approach will move away from relative stability towards a more scientific approach based on zonal attachment, similar to Norway's model. He highlighted progress made in preparing for this new world, mentioning the Fisheries Bill passing through its Second Reading. The bill aims to commit the UK to sustainable fishing and have management plans for individual stocks, control access to its exclusive economic zone, and change technical conservation measures. The minister addressed concerns about a new app required for vessels under 10 metres, noting it is crucial for improving data quality but designed at industry request to be simpler. He also mentioned the potential review of provisions in the Merchant Shipping Act regarding foreign-owned vessels landing more catch into UK ports but noted no immediate plans for such legislation. Several MPs raised issues about attracting new entrants and the importance of resolving questions around the Northern Ireland protocol. The minister acknowledged these points, noting the government is examining approaches adopted elsewhere to support new entrants and is clear that Northern Ireland will remain part of the UK customs union while some minor technical details need further work.

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