The UK government claims it’s boosting sustainable fishing by exercising post-Brexit powers that allows it to control fish catches and stocks in British waters now it’s no longer part of the EU. Ministers have backed a new package of measures to create a resilient fishing industry while securing sustainable fish stocks.

Marking a deviation from EU’s Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the UK government has introduced a world-class system of fisheries management that uses science and fishermen’s expertise to maintain healthy fish commodities.

The initiatives will aid the fishing industry in delivering a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment for future generations, ministers claim.

The move builds on investment and rises in fisheries opportunities worth more than £200 million (US$261.8 million).

“These reforms mark a clear departure from the outdated Common Fisheries Policy. Now we are an independent coastal state, and will deliver the UK’s ambition to build a modern, resilient and profitable fishing industry,” remarked Thérèse Coffey, secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs.

Sustainable stock management
With the seafood sector taking various measures to reduce the strain on fisheries, supporting the fishing sector in managing its stocks becomes pertinent.

The UK’s six Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) are the first of the 43 FMPs proposed in the UK’s Joint Fisheries Statement. They cover crab and lobster, whelk, king scallops, bass, channel non-quota demersal stocks and southern North Sea and Eastern channel mixed flat fish.

The FMP represents an attempt to break away from the unsuccessful top-down impositions of the CFP and unite anglers, scientists and regulators in building something new and better, according to Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations.

“Measures to strengthen fishing businesses and enhance their sustainable growth will bring tangible benefits to the UK,” he says.

Remote electronic monitoring (REM) 
The government is planning a consultation launching its strategy for REM in English waters, setting out the proposed approach and next steps. 

REM systems include cameras, gear sensors and GPS units that can gather data while fishing boats are at sea, including the amount, size and species of fish caught. 

The information generated will support the fishing industry in managing stocks sustainably and give fish buyers and retailers greater confidence in their sustainability.

More on the cards

Amid the rising threat to food security worldwide, the world is taking steps to ease food shortages. In line with this, the UK government is introducing a new approach to managing discards in England to support the long-term future of the English fishing fleet.

It is also consulting to establish a licensed recreational bluefin catch and release tuna fishery, providing economic opportunities for coastal towns and rural communities.

To modernize infrastructure across the sector, the UK Seafood Fund will award a further £45.6 million (US$ 59.6 million) to ensure high-quality research for fisheries management and support around 1,500 jobs.

Overfishing is a significant concern that plagues Europe, with fears of stocks having no chance to recover. To cater to the pressing issue, the UK is publishing a summary of responses to a consultation on spatial management of sand eels, with a majority of respondents favoring full closure of industrial sand eel fishing in English waters of the North Sea. 

Further, the government will also respond to a consultation on flyseining (a method of trawl fishing) to provide some immediate protection for squid stocks and more comprehensive demersal non-quota species.

These reforms will play a crucial role in helping the UK’s Environmental Improvement Plan goals and the Food Strategy, helping to improve food security while leveling up its coastal towns and communities.