UK-EU fishing deal criticised by sustainability campaigners

A brand new fishing deal between the UK and EU threatens susceptible fish shares, sustainability campaigners have mentioned.

The accord is the third between the 2 sides since Brexit, which step by step elevated the share of shares allotted to UK fishing boats.

“These catch limits present that the mismanagement of UK and EU seas is about to proceed,” mentioned Charles Clover, govt director of the Blue Marine Basis.

“A few of the limits agreed are higher than final 12 months when 65 per cent had been set above scientific recommendation, however it’s clear that the events have once more agreed to permit vital and demonstrable overfishing within the face of scientific proof and their very own legal guidelines.

“We had been assured repeatedly that this is able to not occur after Brexit. Properly, get up everybody, it’s occurring.”

He mentioned cod within the Celtic Sea and west of Scotland had been examples of overfished shares.

The UK fishing industry can be allowed to catch 140,000 tonnes of fish value greater than £280mn in 2023 beneath the deal, the federal government mentioned. That’s the similar stage as this 12 months, however a discount in worth from £313mn.

The EU fleet can land 350,000 tonnes, estimated to be value about €1bn based mostly on historic touchdown costs, adjusted for inflation, in response to the European Fee.

The deal considerations how a lot fish might be caught. The distribution of fishing quotas was already agreed when the UK left the bloc in January. The Commerce and Cooperation Settlement (TCA) signed in 2020 ensures that the UK share will increase by 25 per cent between 2021-26.

UK fisheries minister Mark Spencer mentioned: “Our settlement with the EU secures worthwhile fishing alternatives for the UK fishing trade whereas cementing our joint dedication to handle fisheries sustainably.

“These choices are based mostly on the most recent scientific recommendation to assist defend key fish shares with the long-term well being of the marine surroundings on the forefront of our minds.”