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

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to regulate the aquaculture sector after the UK leaves the EU.

The European Union (Withdrawal) Bill ensures that, so far as possible, the same rules and laws will apply on the day after we have left the EU as on the day before. This will provide the maximum possible certainty and continuity to businesses, workers and consumers across the UK.

Aquaculture sector policy is a devolved matter. In England, any future changes to the regulatory framework for aquaculture will need to be considered and consulted upon carefully. Any such changes should build on the success of existing initiatives and collaborations, such as those achieved as part of the Seafood 2040 plan, whilst working towards achieving the Government’s commitment within the 25 Year Environment Plan to achieve good environmental status in our seas while allowing marine industries (such as aquaculture) to thrive.