Fishing Industry

Asks the Minister about measures being taken to protect marine mammals during fishing activities, specifically mentioning discussions with Norway and Japan regarding whaling practices.

Agrees with the right hon. Friend's case about multi-annual quotas and advises that ICES' advice allows for stock recovery without setting annual cliff edges. Andrew George reflected on the risks faced by fishermen and noted his appreciation for the Minister's visit to Newlyn. He criticised the promises made during the Brexit campaign that have not been fulfilled, highlighting the detrimental impact of Brexit on export trade and local businesses. George emphasised the importance of a multi-annual quota system and highlighted the economic significance of Cornwall's fishing industry, contributing £174 million annually and employing around 8,000 people in the seafood supply chain. Rejected the notion that the fishing industry is resistant to conservation measures, noting that it often proposes changes itself. Mentioned an example where the industry proposed a spring ground closure off Cornwall's north coast. Notes that speaking to pollack fishermen in Cornwall would provide insights into their experiences following last year's changes.

Praised the rich fishing heritage of South East Cornwall, highlighting the importance of small-scale fishing fleets and supporting organisations. Urged inclusion of fishers in decision-making processes regarding offshore wind developments and marine spatial prioritisation. Called for improvements in stock assessment data collection, enforcement, and labelling laws to combat illegal fishing.

He stated that scientific advice in June suggested setting the total allowable catch for pollack at zero but it was set at 925 tonnes, which is not aligned with current stock levels. Discussed the decline of fish stocks due to overfishing, citing scientific advice from ICES recommending zero catches for six commercially fished stocks. Emphasized that consistently fishing at too high a level guarantees stock declines and collapse. Highlighted instances where catch limits were set above scientifically advised levels. Criticised the current system's failure to enforce the landing obligation and lack of remote electronic monitoring, which incentivises non-selective fishing and illegal behaviour. The hon. Gentleman missed out the United States of America from that list. ['Questions whether there is a need to learn from American fish management plans, which are seen as gold standard.', 'Asks the Minister about his beliefs on the observance of the discard ban and suggests that onboard cameras could help monitor compliance.']

She expressed concern about the UK fishing industry's struggle with increased bureaucracy, reduced market access and rising costs. She highlighted the need to tackle red tape, invest in infrastructure, and ensure sustainability through science-led decision making for fishing quotas.

Inquires about Government support for training in fishing fleets, particularly in landlocked areas, and suggests discussions with metro mayors to promote such training.

The fishing industry is crucial to Scotland's food security, contributing nearly 20% of global animal protein consumption. The increasing spatial squeeze in marine environments due to protected areas and offshore renewable energy projects is impacting the fishing sector significantly. About 37% of Scottish waters are now designated as marine protected areas, and fishing is excluded from about a third of Scottish waters, up from just 1% in 2000. This imbalance affects not only boats but also supply chains and workers in coastal communities. The upcoming trade and co-operation agreement post-2026 must prioritise the UK fishing sector.

Notes that Scotland has been fortunate in securing the headquarters of GB Energy and suggests considering alternatives as well.

Commends the right hon. Gentleman for bringing forward the debate and discusses issues related to accessing fishing crews due to Home Office policy, suggesting minor tweaks could enable growth potential.

Fishing crews face a high risk of death compared to other UK workers, with significant economic contributions to coastal communities. The fishing industry faces threats from regulations and environmental concerns, including offshore wind projects, shipping lanes, undersea cables, and marine protected areas. He mentioned his involvement with the seafood industry during Brexit as a special adviser, highlighting that many issues with live exports of shellfish and langoustines were due to regulations on the European side rather than in the UK.

Noted the decline of the fishing industry in her constituency of Blackpool North and Fleetwood, suggesting that proper negotiations could lead to increased investment and economic revival for such towns.

Questions whether doing away with English language standards would hinder efforts to attract a domestic workforce, as well as mentioning an increase in the brown crab population near wind farms. Emphasised the importance of seafood processing in Great Grimsby's economy, noting that almost every major UK food retailer buys its seafood from Grimsby. She highlighted the town's role in bespoke smoking high-quality products and its status as Europe's seafood hub, worth more than £2.5 billion annually. The constituency employs 6,000 people directly in over 50 approved seafood processing units and has a dedicated training facility for future professionals. She also mentioned the University of Lincoln's centre of excellence focusing on skills required by the sector. She clarified that despite a colleague changing his name to Haddock for fun, she would not change her name to any fish species. Suggested an earlier stage consultation between offshore wind developers and fishing communities, highlighting examples of good relationships in this area.

Called for clarity on fishing quotas and negotiations, reassurance that the Government would not use fishing as a bargaining chip with the EU, and support for long-term sustainability of the UK fishing sector. Highlighted concerns about bycatch of marine mammals and supported the implementation of remote electronic monitoring systems. Highlights the increase in tonnage secured for the UK from recent negotiations and questions if this is recognized by the Minister.

Suggests that consultations should be held at times more convenient for fishers, such as outside of work hours or in locations accessible to all fishing communities.

The MP acknowledges the challenges faced by inshore fishing fleets due to crew shortages and visa restrictions, suggesting a need for better support from UK Visas and Immigration. He criticises the current transit visa system as an abuse of regulations.

Suggests that the Minister visit north-east Scotland to meet representatives from various fishing bodies to address post-Brexit labour shortages. The intervention suggested that the chief negotiator of the TCA review should visit Scotland to listen to industry concerns before negotiations begin.

The MP discussed the mixed but somewhat rosy picture of the fishing industry in the Western Isles, highlighting challenges such as workforce shortages and high costs for processors. He mentioned that £12 million worth of fish was landed recently, with 90% being shellfish. Concerns were raised about the lack of skilled crews due to demographic changes, leading to a plea for flexibility in immigration policy to allow rural areas to meet their labour needs. The MP also addressed the allocation of bluefin tuna quotas, suggesting that they should be distributed based on geography and socioeconomic factors. You can say the Western Isles.

Discusses challenges in attracting new people into the fishing industry, including visa issues, and mentions the work of the Scottish Fisheries Museum in promoting the industry.