Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Under Ten Metre Fishing Fleet Challenges And Support

15 May 2024 · 1 other contributor · 4,348 words

Opened by Steve Double Con St Austell and Newquay

Responding minister: Mark Spencer

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve Double raised concerns about under ten metre fishing fleet challenges and support in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Steve Double highlighted the importance of the under-10-metre fishing fleet, which represents about 80% of UK vessels and provides 50% of catch-related jobs.
  • The fishing fleet faces challenges including climate change affecting fish distribution and high costs for new quotas due to lateral movement restrictions.
  • Double urged the government to provide more flexibility in quota systems and develop sustainable commercial tuna quotas.

Key requests to Government

Double urged the Minister to provide more flexibility in quota systems, develop sustainable commercial tuna quotas, re-establish a pollock quota during spawning seasons, address issues with the closure of Plymouth fish market, and increase control over fishing waters up to the 12-mile limit.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Steve Double Con St Austell and Newquay

Steve Double highlighted the importance of the under-10-metre fishing fleet, which represents around 80% of UK vessels and provides 50% of catch-related jobs. He noted that this fleet is in decline, with over 100 vessels lost annually. The fishermen face challenges such as climate change impacting fish distribution, high costs for new quotas due to lateral movement restrictions, and difficulties accessing certain species like bass and tuna despite increased stocks.

Other contributors (1)
  • Daniel Zeichner Lab Cambridge

    Mr. Zeichner highlighted the struggles faced by under-10-metre fishing fleets, particularly those earning £20,000 to £30,000 a year due to recent pollock management issues that caused income losses without adequate compensation. He expressed concern over the lack of consultation and transparency in policy-making and asked for an explanation on why some artisan fishermen did not receive help under the compensation scheme.

Government Response

Mark Spencer

It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Ms Rees. The Minister acknowledged the fishing industry's rich heritage and diverse fleets in the south-west, praising the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation for its innovative work, including Marine Stewardship Council accreditation for Cornish sardines and hake. He highlighted that there are 15 shore-based jobs for every fisherman and that seafood jobs are four times more important to Cornwall than they are to Great Britain as a whole. The Minister addressed pollock fishing challenges by stating that around £400,000 has been paid out so far to compensate those impacted, with owners still submitting paperwork. He also mentioned the importance of bass fishermen and discussed the bass fisheries management plan published last December for sustainable domestic stock management. Regarding tuna quota, he regretted only having 66 tonnes but was keen to increase this in future. The Minister addressed concerns about the Plymouth auction loss by stating a potential role for Government assistance in finding solutions, possibly through convening a cross-party roundtable. He concluded on an upbeat note, affirming the Government's commitment to helping the fishing sector in the south-west.

▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy