Found: In the case of the Fisheries Act 2020, the then Government decided that a PEC was required to provide

Found: The UK Government could deliver the commitments made in the UK Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries

Found: The UK Government could deliver the commitments made in the UK Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries

Found: In accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Fisheries Act 2020 (“the Act”), the consultation draft

Found: Our approach to those negotiations will be guided by the objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020

Found: Our approach to those negotiations will be guided by the objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to introduce a timebound legal duty to end overfishing in UK waters.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Fisheries Act 2020 contains a commitment to recover stocks to sustainable levels through the development of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). We are taking this approach having learned from the well-intentioned but ultimately unachievable single deadline set out in the European Union’s Common Fisheries Policy for getting all fish stocks to “Maximum Sustainable Yield” (MSY). Our FMPs allow us to assess the state of the stocks and set out a series of tailored and evidence-based short-, medium- and long-term measures to maintain or restore stocks to MSY.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential socio-economic impact of proposed quota adjustments on the (a) South West fishing industry and (b) English Channel fisheries.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Consultations with the EU to agree fishing opportunities for 2025 began in November and are expected to conclude in December 2024. A final assessment of quota changes, as a result of these consultations, will be published in spring next year.

As per requirements of the Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS), the UK uses the best available scientific advice in fisheries management and negotiations, this includes the annual advice from the International Council of the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) on fishing opportunities. Accepting the ICES advised headline advice in full, would lead to a reduction in UK quota in the South-West of England and English Channel compared to 2024.

However, in seeking to appropriately balance all the fisheries objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020 and the JFS, the UK will in some cases seek to agree an allocation with the EU, above that advised by ICES, for example for a 0 Total Allowable Catch (TAC) stock where a bycatch-only TAC may be required to prevent adverse impacts on the fishing industry, within sustainable limits.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the International Council of the Exploration of the Sea's publication entitled Advice on fishing opportunities, catch, and effort, Celtic Seas and Greater North Sea ecoregions, published on 28 June 2024.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Defra routinely use the best available scientific advice, including that provided by the International Council of the Exploration of the Seas (ICES), within international fisheries negotiations, where catch limits are agreed on shared stocks, and in wider policy development The best available scientific advice is considered as part of our policy approach which seeks to balance obligations and objectives, as set out in the Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS).

In line with the JFS, making use of ICES advice, the UK seeks to achieve greater environmental sustainability and provide profitable outcomes for the industry including aiming to increase over the medium term the total number of stocks fished at Maximum Sustainable Yield. As part of the annual negotiation process, Defra officials provide Ministers with an assessment of how the UK negotiating position on fishing opportunities balances these objectives on a stock-by-stock basis.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what specific measures have been taken by the Government and Environment Agency to meet their stated objectives and responsibilities with regard to the leisure fishing industry, and what criteria with measurable indicators and outcomes have been set to determine the degree of current and future success in delivery.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) has a duty to maintain, improve and develop fisheries for freshwater and diadromous fish. Income from angling rod licence sales is reinvested in work across the country including monitoring, enforcement, fish stocking, fish rescues, responding to incidents and providing fisheries advice. This work is partially funded by rod licence income. The EA reports annually on how rod licence income is used. The 2023 report can be found here (attached).

The Government recognised recreational sea fishing in the Fisheries Act 2020 (FA2020) enabling it to contribute to the Act’s objectives as required by the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). Recreational sea fishing is being integrated into Defra’s evidence-based Fisheries Management Plans, which set out how the JFS objectives will be delivered. Progress towards the JFS will be assessed and reported every six years, in-line with section 3 of the FA2020.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science's report entitled Assessing the sustainability of fisheries catch limits negotiated by the UK for 2024, published 10 April 2024.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As an independent coastal State, the UK sets total allowable catches (TACs) each year for many fish stocks through negotiations with other coastal States. UK positions in those negotiations are informed by the best available scientific advice, including advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) on achieving the maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for many stocks. The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) conducts annually a robust assessment of the sustainability outcomes of our negotiations, including the number of TACs which have been set in line with the scientific advice.

In those negotiations, the UK seeks to balance the fisheries objectives set out in the Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries Statement. We strive for outcomes that achieve greater environmental sustainability, including aiming to increase over the medium term the total number of stocks fished at MSY.

Defra will publish in early 2025 the Cefas assessment of the sustainability outcomes of the TACs negotiated by the UK this autumn.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to address the issue of overfishing.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

Sustainability is at the heart of the UK’s approach to fisheries management. Through negotiations with other coastal States, we ensure that catch limits are set sustainably, consistent with the best scientific advice. This Government is also pleased to restart the Fisheries Management Plan (FMP) programme and is grateful for the support of the fishing sector and wider stakeholders in helping to shape these plans to secure the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks in line with obligations under the Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries Statement. We are now consulting on the next 5 FMPs, these cover cockles, sprat, queen scallop, skates, rays and various other demersal species in different waters around England.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what proposals they have for encouraging and developing private and business leisure fishing in rivers and lakes in England and Wales.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Environment Agency (EA) has a statutory duty under the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act (1975) to maintain, improve and develop fisheries. In addition, ministerial guidance they received in 2000 confirmed the need to:

- ensure the conservation and maintain the diversity of freshwater and migratory fish, and to conserve their aquatic environment.

- enhance the contribution migratory and freshwater fisheries make to the economy, particularly in remote rural areas and in areas with low levels of income; and

- enhance the social value of fishing as a widely available and healthy form of recreation.

The EA promotes angling as a widely available and healthy outdoors activity. Getting more people to take up fishing involves working closely with partners, particularly the Angling Trust. This work also results in social, health and wellbeing outcomes.

The EA provides advice and guidance for fishery owners, including commercially run venues, and invests income from rod licence sales to support projects to improve fisheries and facilities for anglers. This improves economic benefits for many angling stakeholders and businesses within local communities, many in rurally deprived areas.

These responsibilities are undertaken by the EA throughout England, the role in Wales sits with National Resources Wales.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to ensure that fishing catch limits are in line with scientific advice on that matter.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As an independent coastal State the UK sets catch limits, primarily through negotiation with other coastal States. In line with our domestic and international obligations, including those of the Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement, our approach to setting catch limits is based on the best available scientific advice, including advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) on maximum sustainable yield where that is available. Following the conclusion of this year's annual fisheries negotiations, the Government will publish an independent assessment of the number of TACs set consistent with ICES advice for 2025 as it has done in previous years.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department plans to take steps to (a) bring forward legislative proposals to improve protections for farmed fish; and what steps his Department is taking to strengthen the sustainability of the UK's fishing industry.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Animal Welfare Committee’s updated Opinion on the welfare of farmed fish at the time of killing was published last year. A GB-wide farmed trout joint Government and industry working group is now examining the issues raised in the report to explore the potential options for more detailed welfare at killing requirements. The Scottish Government are also working closely with the salmon industry.

In line with the Fisheries Act 2020 the Government is making progress delivering Fisheries Management Plans which maintain or restore fish stocks to sustainable levels. Through fisheries negotiations with coastal states our objective is to set Total Allowable Catches in line with the best scientific advice to make sure that stocks are managed over the long term within sustainable limits whilst ensuring stock-building initiatives account for socio-economic considerations.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what (a) economic, (b) social and (c) employment factors are taken into consideration in fisheries consultations between the UK and the EU.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

As an independent coastal State the UK engages in annual fisheries consultations with the EU to set fishing opportunities for shared stock. In doing so the UK seeks to balance the fisheries objectives as laid out in the Fisheries Act 2020 in accordance with the policies of the Joint Fisheries Statement (JFS). In particular, in line with the JFS, the UK seeks to provide certainty and profitable outcomes for the industry.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current quota for landing bluefin tuna in the light of the success of the species in UK territorial waters.

Answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The UK Government has been actively assessing and adjusting the quota for landing eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna (BFT), reflecting the species' resurgence in UK waters. As an independent member of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), in 2023 the UK received a quota of 65 tonnes, which was an increase from previous years. This quota was divided to support both commercial and tag and release scientific fisheries, with 39 tonnes used for a small-scale trial commercial fishery.

In 2024, the UK quota is 66 tonnes. Sixteen tonnes are being used for recreational fishing and 39 tonnes for the continued trial commercial fishery. The remaining quota is being used for commercial bycatch and tagging programmes.

Decisions on how the quota is used have been made to ensure that BFT fisheries meet our international commitments, contribute to delivering Fisheries Act 2020 objectives, and reflect stakeholder interests including both the commercial and recreational sectors. In 2023, Defra commissioned an evaluation of UK BFT fisheries. The report has been published here: Impact Evaluation of Bluefin Tuna Quota Allocation - MF0740 (defra.gov.uk). Defra is continuing to evaluate the social, economic, and environmental impacts of UK BFT fisheries in 2024.

Any changes to the future UK BFT quota will depend on whether the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) established by ICCAT increases or decreases (the next TAC will be established in 2025 for the years 2026-2028) and on the outcomes of ongoing negotiations on quota shares at ICCAT.

Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what his policy is on EU fishing rights in UK waters, in the context of the Government's plans to change its relationship with the EU.

Answered by Daniel Zeichner - Minister of State (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)

The Government is committed to managing fishing access to its waters in a way that balances sustainable management with the interests of the UK fishing industry, as per our obligations under the Fisheries Act 2020 and Joint Fisheries Statement. The UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides full reciprocal access during the adjustment period until June 2026, after which access becomes a matter for annual negotiation by default.

Found: Regulations 1993(5); and (b)in respect of which there is a valid fishing licence issued under the Fisheries Act

Found: exercise of the powers conferred by section 36(1)(b) and (c) and section 36(4)(a) and (j) of the Fisheries Act

Found: See also the Foyle Fisheries Act (Northern Ireland) 1952 .

Found: society 99.9 Other triable either way (non motoring) 09888 - Triable either way offences under Sea Fisheries Act

Found: All FMPs must contain the information set out in Section 6 of the Fisheries Act 2020.

Found: Channel mixed flatfish FMP has been prepared and published to meet the requirements set out in the Fisheries Act

Found: The Secretary of State makes this determination under section 23 of the Fisheries Act 2020 (except for

Found: The Secretary of State makes this determination under section 23 of the Fisheries Act 2020.

Found: fishing instrument, namely rod and line contrary to Section 27 (1) (a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act

Found: Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. 

Found: fishing instrument, namely rod and line, contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act

Found: This is contrary to Section 27 (1) (a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975.

Found: Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. 

Found: Contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975. 

Found: fishing instrument, namely rod and line, contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act

Found: fishing instrument, namely rod and line, contrary to Section 27(1)(a) of the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act

Found: co-management approaches could help to achieve effective and sustainable outcomes (MMO1205, MMO1205a Fisheries Act

Found: sustainable model of fisheries management, which has been codified as 8 objectives within the Fisheries Act

Found: Participation and co-management are stated parts of the English approach to fisheries management (Fisheries Act

Found: to delivering its Strategic Plan whilst supporting Defra’s 25 - Year Environment Plan and the Fisheries Act

Found: sets how the MMO will support the implementation of Defra’s 25 -Year Environment Plan and the Fisheries Act

Found: ........... ................................ ................................ .23 Annex 1 UK Fisheries Act

Found: for fisheries and to guide improved monitoring and evaluation in achieving the objectives of the Fisheries Act

Found: MMO functions are further detailed in the Fisheries Act 2020 where provisions in relation to fisheries

Found: Defra, 2018) that is managed to achieve social, economic and employment benefits across the UK (Fisheries Act

Found: This includes through commitments beyond the Fisheries Act, and internal commitments set by the RFG

Found: The Fisheries Act 202025 is the main framework regulation for the management of the UK’s fish and shellfish

Found: Net Limitation Order (NLO) – Mechanism within the Salmon and Freshwater Fisheries Act, 1975 whereby

Found: 2022 Kunming -Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework42, the UK 25 Year Environment Plan, the Fisheries Act

Found: This decision is in line with the MMOs obligations under the Fisheries Act 2020.  

Found: C21 Schedule 13 (49) , A 2020/C22 Schedule 4 , A 2009 /C23, SI 2019/746 – Reg 2 A1.30: The Sea Fisheries Act

Found: In accordance with Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Fisheries Act 2020 (“the Act”), the consultation draft

Found: for inshore fisheries are amongst our flagship policies to deliver on the objectives of the Fisheries Act

Found: Programme for Government 2024-25, National Marine Plan including Regional Marine Planning, The Fisheries Act

Found: Programme for Government 2024-25, National Marine Plan including Regional Marine Planning, The Fisheries Act

Found: Fisheries act like natural predators (by removing them)NSBreedingProductivityShetland, Orkney, SES, NEECTH

Found: its fair work framework as part of the Scottish Ministers' obligations under section 25 of the Fisheries Act

Found: An aquaculture economic survey used to meet clause one of the UK Fisheries Act 2020.

Found: management of activities are covered by sector-specific regulations outside of planning; such as the Fisheries Act

Found: tonnes •Equal share for in -year quota transfers •Application process for West of Scotland cod AQ Fisheries Act

Found: Allegations and offences investigated under The Fisheries Act 2020: EIR release

Found: this approach are: • Fisheries Management Plans - the Scottish Government, in line with the Fisheries Act

Found: In distributing fishing opportunities, these rules are in compliance with section 25 of the Fisheries Act

Found: In distributing fishing opportunities, these rules are in compliance with section 25 of the Fisheries Act

Found: objective for natural capital; • Scotland’s National Marine Plan; • Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Act

Found: In addition, the Fisheries Act 2020 amends the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 to allow Scottish Ministers

Found: The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 has been amended by the Fisheries Act 2020 to allow Scottish Ministers

Found: capital; • help deliver Scotland’s National Marine Plan; • support the Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Act

Found: Extreme Climatic Events • Scotland’s National Marine Plan; • Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Act

Found: The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 has been amended by the Fisheries Act 2020 to allow Scottish Ministers

Found: In addition, the Fisheries Act 2020 amends the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 to allow Scottish Ministers

Found: The Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 has been amended by the Fisheries Act 2020 to allow Scottish

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, further to the answer to question S6W-31887 by Mairi Gougeon on 9 December 2024, whether it has considered using powers under section 36 of the Fisheries Act 2020 to place the Code of Good Practice for Scottish Finfish Aquaculture into law.

Answered by Gougeon, Mairi - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

The Scottish Government continually considers where regulation for farmed fish health is necessary.

We already have robust legislation, policies, and operational practices in place to ensure fish farmers are meeting statutory requirements on sealice reporting and management, mortality reporting, listed disease surveillance and containment of farmed fish. The aquaculture sector in Scotland shows a significant level of compliance with both legislative and voluntary requirements. Enactment in law of the finfish sector’s Code of Good Practice through existing legislative instruments would not necessarily significantly improve outcomes for fish health and, therefore, there are no plans for further legislation at this time.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government what action it has taken to ensure that the fishing quota for Scotland following exiting the EU has been used to support the fishing businesses with the most selective and/or lowest impact approach to fishing, in line with duties set out in section 25 of the Fisheries Act 2020.

Answered by Gougeon, Mairi - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

Since exiting the EU, the Scottish Government has set aside additional quota for use by our 10 metre and under sector (predominantly inshore vessels that make up the vast majority of the Scottish fishing fleet). These vessels are associated with fishing methods that are more selective and typically fish with methods that have less impact on the seabed.

In 2025, the Scottish Government will distribute a portion of West of Scotland cod based on an application process which will place environmental considerations at its heart. This seeks to incentivise the use of selective fishing gear and fishing techniques or vessels with a reduced impact on the environment.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government by what date it will publish the criteria that it will use when allocating fishing quotas in 2025, as required by section 25(1)(a) of the Fisheries Act 2020, which states that these must be "transparent and objective".

Answered by Gougeon, Mairi - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

The Scottish Quota Management Rules were published on 18 September 2024, these detail how fishing opportunities are distributed to the Scottish fishing industry.

The rules state that a further update may be made, when the application process for West of Scotland cod additional quota launches in 2025. This initiative will invite bids for quota, principally on the basis of enhanced fishing gear selectivity and reduced environmental impact.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government when it last reviewed its policy on the issuing of fishing quotas under the Fisheries Act 2020.

Answered by Gougeon, Mairi - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

All Scottish quota is issued in line with the requirements of the UK Fisheries Act 2020.

On 7 June 2024, the Scottish Government published the outcome of its consultation on the allocation of Additional Quota. Additional Quota is the extra quota the UK receives following EU exit.

As part of Scotland’s Fisheries Management Strategy 2020-2030, the Scottish Government committed to the maintenance of FQA system as the primary method of allocating Exiting Quota (the UK’s established share of quota prior to leaving the EU) following stakeholder feedback.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government, regarding the allocation of fishing quotas, whether it considers whether an operator aligns with its fair work framework as part of the Scottish Ministers' obligations under section 25 of the Fisheries Act 2020.

Answered by Gougeon, Mairi - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

Section 25 of the UK Fisheries Act 2020 obliges the Scottish Government (and other UK national fisheries authorities) to utilise objective and transparent criteria related to social, environmental and economic factors when allocating quota. It also requires that national fisheries authorities seek to incentivise the use of selective fishing gear and the use of fishing techniques that have a reduced impact on the environment.

The Fair Work First policy applies fair work criteria to grants, other funding and public contracts awarded by and across the public sector. In distributing fishing quota, the Scottish Government is not making an award of a grant, contract or other funding, so this policy is not a direct consideration.

In our recent consultation on the allocation of Additional Quota, we sought views on crew welfare as a criterion for distributing quota. In the consultation outcome report we recognise that the ILO188 Work in Fishing Convention, enforced by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, is the appropriate framework for monitoring crew welfare.

Question

To ask the Scottish Government how many (a) UK and (b) EU vessels were registered to fish in Scottish waters in each year since 2021.

Answered by Gougeon, Mairi - Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands

UK commercial fishing licences provide general authority for the registered vessel to fish in the UK EEZ, subject to specific conditions detailed in the licence. The UK Fisheries Act 2020 sets out the ‘equal access objective’, stating that, "access of UK fishing boats to any area within British fishery limits is not affected by- (a) the location of the fishing boat’s home port, or (b) any other connection of the fishing boat, or any of its owners, to any place in the United Kingdom."

UK fishing licences may also be retained as an "entitlement" which means that that there is no active fishing vessel linked to the licence entitlement at that time. That entitlement may be re-activated in the future by being transferred or sold and then attached to an active UK vessel.

The information provided in the following table is the number of "active" UK licences - i.e. where a fishing vessel is linked to the licence - as of 1 January in each year. As noted above, whilst UK fishing licences permit activity in all UK waters, the number of active UK licences is not necessarily representative of UK vessels' fishing activity in Scottish waters.