Chris Loder highlighted the challenges faced by small-scale fishermen in West Dorset, including rising fuel prices and increased bureaucratic burdens such as consultations and new regulations. He noted that fishers face a choice between attending meetings or going out to sea to earn money, causing significant fatigue and mental health concerns. Loder also pointed out the need for more flexible meeting schedules and representation for small fishing vessels in policy discussions.

The MP expressed concern about the intense pressure on people working in the inshore fleet due to boat inspections by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. He cited a distressing case where an under-8 metre boat operator was banned from fishing, resulting in loss of income for his family. The MP also highlighted issues with overzealous enforcement and high inspection costs, suggesting these practices are making life difficult for fishermen. He further raised concerns about the catch app's accuracy, IVMS data collection methods, fuel costs, access to UK seafood fund, shellfish sector protection against sewage outflow, and spatial pressures from wind power developments.

I am concerned about the future of inshore fishing communities across England and Wales, particularly those who are struggling due to lack of investment and support from the government.

Mr. Thomas highlighted the importance of the inshore fishing fleet to local communities and economies, mentioning issues such as excessive reporting requirements, inconsistent safety inspections, and concerns about vessel monitoring systems. He called for common sense approaches to data collection and maritime safety and suggested scrapping Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authorities (IFCAs) and quotas to allow sustainable fishing.

Fishing is an important part of King's Lynn heritage, but the recent closure of cockle fisheries by the Eastern IFCA has left local fishermen concerned about their livelihoods. The decision followed a survey finding that stocks did not meet the bird-food model threshold due to low spatfalls in 2019 and 2020. Redirecting to whelk or shrimp fisheries is also problematic as they are under pressure. James Wild highlights the need for better communication between fishermen, IFCA, and Natural England.

Jim Shannon discussed the financial viability of fishing in Portavogie, Kilkeel, and Annalong. He mentioned that vessel monitoring systems are beneficial but impose additional costs on smaller boats under 12 metres. Fuel expenses were highlighted as a major issue, with one fisherman spending £9,500 in fuel over four days. Shannon also raised the importance of balancing environmental protection with food security and sustainable fishing practices. Will the Minister give way on that point? The fuel relief scheme needs to be clarified for Northern Ireland, and information is needed about how many people there have applied for it. Prawn prices are high but profits are being swallowed by fuel costs.

She highlighted the importance of small fishing vessels in Wales, which make up over 92% of the Welsh fleet. She discussed the historical significance of fisheries in places like Nefyn and pointed out that only a fraction of fish caught in Welsh waters is landed by local Welsh vessels. Liz Saville-Roberts raised concerns about market conditions affecting fishermen, high fuel prices, and the inability to sell mussels and other bivalves to EU countries. She proposed solutions such as a rural fuel duty rebate scheme for Wales, infrastructure improvements, and identifying quotas within Wales.

Mr Pollard expressed concern about the compounding issues facing fishers, such as high fuel costs and inadequate technology. He highlighted that many fishermen are at a crisis point, with some on suicide watch due to economic pressures. He also raised concerns over the catch app's inadequacies and called for better integration of British-caught fish in local supermarkets to support local jobs and reduce carbon emissions.

Described the impact of Brexit on Scotland's inshore fishing communities, highlighting a 30% drop in seafood exports to the EU and difficulties with new paperwork and certification requirements. Mentioned challenges such as labour shortages, increased red tape, and loss of markets. Quoted Simon Macdonald regarding complications from Brexit and cited Hamish Macdonell's statistic about Scotland's predicted decline in salmon market share compared to Scandinavia.

Mr. Aldous highlighted the heavy regulatory burden on inshore fishermen, suggesting a need for a joined-up regulatory system and urging DEFRA to review the current framework. He also mentioned spiralling fuel costs making fishing financially non-viable and called for addressing these issues through repurposing the UK seafood fund. Additionally, he raised concerns about electromagnetic fields from offshore wind farms impacting traditional inshore grounds.

Ms Murray highlighted the importance of the inshore fishing fleet, sharing personal experiences from her time as a fisherman's wife. She raised concerns about the distribution of quotas and restrictions on non-UK fishing fleets accessing UK waters. Ms Murray also emphasised the need for improved collaboration between fishermen and scientists, better technology adaptation for small vessels, and the competition from offshore wind farms and marine protected areas. Defended fishermen against the suggestion that they could not accurately estimate their catch without professional training.