Welcome to the APPG on Fisheries newsletter. Through regular updates, we aim to keep you informed of policy developments, Parliamentary announcements and sector headlines. We also provide round-ups of current Committee inquiries and fisheries-focused monitoring of the Parliamentary record, Hansard.
Contents Use the links below to rapidly navigate around the newsletter.
We are pleased to announce our second event of 2022, on ways to better connect the seafood sector with food policy and the wider food supply chain in the UK. In a first for the APPG, this event taking place on Tuesday 14 July will be hybrid, with both in-person and online tickets available. Attendance is free.
In December 2021, the APPG Secretariat gathered experiences of Brexit and its impacts from a range of people across the UK fishing industry. Our new report showcases what they told us, and what they believe should happen next.
Anthony Mangnal MP led a Parliamentary debate on 14 June, on issues facing the UK’s small-scale and inshore fishing fleet. MPs from across the UK and across parties raised a range of issues including fishing quotas, food security, regulations, and export difficulties, which all pose serious challenges to the sector.
Earlier this month, the House of Commons Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee held its first inquiry into the UK Seafood Fund. Key industry figures spoke about their expectations for the Fund, and how it could be improved to increase its positive impacts on the industry as well as coastal communities.
Minutes have been published for the third meeting of the Specialised Committee on Fisheries, which was held on 27 April. The Committee monitors the implementation and functioning of the fisheries element of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement, including setting of quotas for shared stocks.
Defra has opened a consultation on “marine net gain”, an approach to marine development that aims to help the UK reach net zero while protecting key marine species and habitats. Marine industries and other users of the UK marine environment are encouraged to provide input.
Fisheries News
A round-up of the latest UK-relevant fishing news from a variety of sources.
APPG for the Ocean Seeks Evidence on Ocean-Based Solutions to Climate Change The APPG for the Ocean is conducting an inquiry into ocean-based solutions to climate change. Contact sarah@tendoconsulting.co.uk for details on how to respond.
Hansard Monitoring
Hansard is the official record of debates, votes and ministerial statements in Parliament. Our newsletters gather together any debates or questions concerning fisheries that have recently taken place.