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 increase the flexibility of fishing quotas so that fishermen can respond to changes in species abundance.

Through participating in international negotiations with other coastal States, the UK sets total allowable catches for fish stocks based on the best available scientific advice, primarily that from the International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES). The advice for most stocks is updated yearly, based on scientific data and sampling information from stock surveys, to reflect the current state of fishing stocks. Regular engagement with the fishing industry to communicate expected changes as early as possible, is also central to the UK’s approach.