UK secures improvements to EU fishing policy

Last week the UK secured agreement from EU Fisheries Ministers on much needed reforms to the broken Common Fisheries Policy. Following 24 hours of tense negotiations at the EU Fisheries Council held in Luxemburg, Ministers agreed to end ineffective micro-management by Brussels and to a ban on the discarding of dead fish – an issue that has rightly caused public outrage.

My colleague, Richard Benyon ― Minister for the Natural Environment and Fisheries ― represented the UK at the meeting, along with colleagues from Scotland and Wales. Their aim was to achieve fundamental reform of the Common Fisheries Policy: to achieve healthy fish stocks, a prosperous fishing industry and a healthy marine environment.

Securing agreement in principle to a ban on discards is a major achievement to end a wasteful practice. We now need to keep up the pressure in Europe and push for firm dates for the ban to take effect.

Moving powers away from Brussels so that Member States can work together to develop regional fisheries management plans is also a key achievement that has been a priority for the Government. After the meeting, Richard commented that “for far too long overly detailed decisions have been taken from Brussels and fishermen throughout Europe have been micro-managed”.  The agreement secured by the UK and likeminded Member States will see some of that power returned back to Member States who are better able to manage their fisheries at the local level.

Fisheries Ministers also agreed to legally binding limits on fishing levels. These limits will replace the previous process of less rigid political agreements. The new system will ensure that scientific advice is taken into account when setting annual fishing quotas. We will now be better placed to reach Maximum Sustainable Yields ― the largest catches that can be taken from fisheries stocks without diminishing the population size in the long term ― as soon as possible.

The reforms negotiated in Council now need to be agreed by the European Parliament. Our diplomatic efforts will now focus on ensuring that the Parliament endorses this package of reforms.

Fair and effective multi-national management of fisheries in the seas off Europe is essential for the conservation of fish stock. Fish do not observe national maritime borders and one country’s overfishing can severely deplete stock for another nation’s fishermen. This negotiation has shown how the UK can work successfully with European partners to deliver significant reforms that benefit our country.