UK Fisheries and Brexit - from the pages of the Daily Express

Earlier today episode 4 of the Daily Express' Unlocked programme discussed Brexit and Fishing. Join former MEPs Martin Daubney & Belinda De Lucy for another episode of Brexit Unlocked 🔓 

This week’s superb Eurosceptic line-up includes: 

• June Mummery: Former British MEP 
• Paul Lines: Chairman of Lowestoft Fishing Alliance 
• James Glancy: Veterans For Wildlife, Presenter of Planet SOS, former Royal Marine & former MEP 
• Laura Huhtasaari: Finnish MEP for The Finns Party 

UK fisheries on track for major post-Brexit boost as £6.5 billion on table after EU break UK fisheries could see a £6.5 billion boost once Brexit trade talks with the European Union have concluded and the UK regains full control of British waters, 

by Aurora Bosotti.   

The future of UK fisheries have been a hotly-debated point of contention in the Brexit negotiations between the United Kingdom and the European Union. The bloc has sought to maintain access to British waters in the aftermath of withdrawal while the UK Government demanded they relinquish full control back to Britain. Paul Lines, the chairman of the Lowestoft Fishing Alliance, told Un-locked Brexit is an opportunity for fisheries to get a £6.5 billion boost after years of "demise."

"If we get our way with Brexit, when we got the 54 percent of fish back that flagships now have, and we get zonal-attached fish, our fish take from net plat could be £6.5 billion.

"No government could ever turn that amount of money away and they should be behind people in this country who've worked hard to rebuild an industry."

The fishing activist insisted he wants to ensure the British industry recovers after years of failure to invest to provide younger generations additional employment opportunities.

Brexit news: Lines insisted UK fisheries have been undergoing a continuous "demise" over the years (Image: YOUTUNE/Un-locked) Mr Lines pointed out at the state of UK vessels compared to European fishing boats as an example of the downfall the sector has been subjected to.

He continued: "I just want to see an industry that's fit for young people to start work, and I want to see a fair industry.

"I don't want any of these double standards that have been played to us all over these years.

"We've been promised everything but we've actually just seen demise, demise, demise. If you look at foreign fishing fleets, the answer is there.

Brexit news: EU countries could suffer huge economic consequences if they lose access to UK waters (Image: EXPRESS.CO.UK) He continued: "They're pretty, they're gayly painted, they're new, they're innovative.

"Look at England - you've got old men still going to sea in old boats they had when they were 30. And we've lost it all.

"I'm afraid my last breath will be taken fighting for a fair deal for British fishermen."

In the event of a no deal, the UK would regain full access control to its Economic Exlusive Zone (EEZ), meaning EU vessels would lose every right to fish in British waters.

Theoretically, a no deal would be more advantageous to the UK as fishermen would no longer have to compete with their European counterparts and the strict quota system would no longer apply.

The UK would also have to abide by the United Nations Convention for the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and continue to grant access to the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) British vessels are unable to fish.

And the EU may also seek to pressure the UK into a future agreement by imposing most-favored nation tariffs on any fish and fisheries the UK may seek to export to the bloc.

However, the high dependency of EU fishermen on British waters could push Brussels into agreeing to a favourable deal for the UK to avoid potential disruption to the stock European vessels have long had access to.

UK negotiator Lord Frost said there is still a chance for the UK and the EU to come to an agreement despite the persistent divergence on fishing.

He said: "On fisheries the gap between us is unfortunately very large and, without further realism and flexibility from the EU, risks being impossible to bridge. vc

“These issues are fundamental to our future status as an independent country.”" 

Meanwhile the French have their own battles to fight:

Macron at war with EU over fishing rights! President told to compromise on UK waters claim EMMANUEL MACRON is set to clash with Brussels over fisheries in order for a free trade deal between the UK and EU to be agreed. 

The BBC's Katya Adler, said: "Macron is under pressure to compromise his maximalist position on fishing rights for EU fishermen in UK waters but it’s politically very sensitive for him.

"He already has 2022 presidential elections on his mind.

"Key rivals could accuse him of sacrificing French interests."

Mr Macron has called for any deal to maintain access similar to what has been seen within the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).

Under the CFP, EU member states are given equal access to waters within Europe's exclusive economic zone. Due to the UK's large and rich coastal waters, British fishermen have claimed the policy has allowed EU fleets to exploit our coastal region.  As well as the level playing field, fisheries has remained one of the main areas of divergence between the two sides.

However, with time running out for a deal, Boris Johnson and EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, will hold talks on Saturday to help break the deadlock. Brexit trade talks: EU lashed out declaring it 'doesn't trust' 

UK My constituents didn’t vote Tory to get Labour, says CHRIS CLARKSON A No 10 spokesman said: "The Prime Minister will be speaking to President von der Leyen tomorrow afternoon to take stock of negotiations and discuss next steps." 

The call follows the final day of formal Brexit negotiations today. This week, UK officials offered a proposal of a three-year transition period for fisheries to adjust.

Under this, the three-year period will give coastal communities adequate time to adjust post-Brexit.

The film below was made in the run-up to the EU Referendum in 2016. BREXIT THE MOVIE is a feature-length documentary film to inspire as many people as possible to vote to LEAVE the EU in the June 23rd referendum. 

 

The supportive text below makes for interesting reading four years down the road in the context of the situation the UK finds itself in - especially with regard to the second paragraph.

"BREXIT THE MOVIE spells out the danger of staying part of the EU. Is it safe to give a remote government beyond our control the power to make laws? Is it safe to tie ourselves to countries which are close to financial ruin, drifting towards scary political extremism, and suffering long-term, self-inflicted economic decline?

BREXIT THE MOVIE shows a side of the EU they don't want us to see: the sprawling self-serving bureaucracy, the political cynicism, the lack of accountability, the perks, the waste, the cronyism, the corruption.

BREXIT THE MOVIE cuts through the patronizing intellectualism of the noble, higher goals of 'Project Europe', to reveal the self-interestedness of the political-bureaucratic class which runs and benefits from the EU.

BREXIT THE MOVIE highlights the danger of becoming a prisoner in an insular, backward-looking Fortress Europe. And it explores the exciting opportunities that open up to us when we look beyond the narrow confines of the EU.

BREXIT THE MOVIE looks to the future, arguing forcefully and persuasively that it is safer and wiser to live in a country which is free, independent, self-governing, confident and global."

"Love Seafood" - a message from the Gatekeepers of the Sea.

Seafish launched their new 'Love Seafood" campaign today with a brand new website aimed at increasing the consumption of seafood by more people in the UK by focussing on what it takes to harvest fish from the sea, the health and nutritional benefits of a diet that includes fish on a regular basis and the growing environmental awareness of sustainability.

Fishermen and the fishing community are seen as gatekeepers to the sea under the banner heading, 'Laying waste to the stereotype'.

"What better way to get a realistic insight into the lives of our UK fishermen, than to follow them on their day-to-day business?"

Fishermen: Gatekeepers of the Sea 

We got a fascinating first-hand look into exactly what it involves. Where this age old tradition has come from and where it’s charting a course for in years to come.

The image of a fishing boat, carrying Skipper Davey and his team, cutting through the dark waters of Scotland’s east coast is a powerful one. The environment around these fishermen is vastly different from the picture we might have of a normal 9-to-5.

Huge expanses of water, a ‘commute’ that takes place well before dawn, the unpredictable nature of the elements, the tough physical work that takes place on deck. It’s a stark contrast, especially when you compare those freezing cold seas and the cosy kitchen tables that much loved produce such as Shetland mussels, Cornish crab or Arbroath smokies end up on.

For Davey and the many other fishermen out there working hard to keep their industry thriving, it’s not just about what goes on out on the open seas. It’s very much connected to life on land too.

More than a job

Our ‘Gatekeepers’ film offers a portrait of an industry that not only provides jobs and income, but one that’s an age-old generational tradition. Just like Davey, many fishermen begin their careers at a young age – often experiencing their first voyage out to sea with their parents.

‘There’s always been a family connection with the sea around me,’ Davey confirms. After leaving school he immediately began following in his father’s footsteps by taking to the waves as a fisherman, a choice that he’s proud to have stuck by for forty years now.

It’s perhaps this close, life-long connection with the environment that inspires such a deep respect for it. Taking the good with the bad is all part of the big picture in this line of work.

It’s an especially emotional connection for Davey, as he recounts how changeable weather conditions have cost lives, not only fellow fishermen but family members too. That said he also gets the pleasure of working with his son and watching as he climbs the ranks. It’s clear that with a common choice of vocation the two are able to enjoy a closeness that few familys get to experience. Just like the waves that they work on, there’s peaks and troughs.

Sustainable futures

From this profound respect for the ocean comes a dedication to sustainable fishing practices. That’s something that not only goes for Davey and his crew, but the UK’s fishing industry as a whole. As our film explores, there’s two main reasons that drive this principle; environmental welfare and community welfare.

Businesses like Davey’s don’t just have their own profits in mind when casting off for a day’s work. As with Peterhead and Fraserburgh, many other communities around the UK depend on the health of the seas. For Davey and his crew a healthy ocean has a big knock on effect. The work that’s done on the boats is largely a starting point for other goods and services; everything from carpenters to welders, boat builders to chip shops.

Fishing is the lifeblood of these towns. We only really need to look back to the early 2000’s to see what low fish stock can do to the sector, and in turn the community that relies on it. Decommissioned boats, a loss of jobs and a general downturn in business dealt a serious blow to the local area. But not a fatal one.

Since then, a number of changes have been put in place and things have really bounced back. Today there’s actually more fish in the Northern Hemisphere (especially around Shetland and the shelf edge). Davey, a man at the coalface of the situation, confirms and points to sustainable practices as the key to this recovery. ‘If the fishing’s doing good, the towns always do good,’ he says.

The long days, early starts, the family ties, highs and lows… all factor into that innate responsibility that fishermen like Davey have towards protecting their environment.

As Davey reminds us, ‘We’re the gatekeepers basically.’

Sign up to our newsletter to be among the first people to ever see – Fishermen: Gatekeepers of the Sea.
 

Love Seafood is brought to you by Seafish, and we’re here to inspire you to enjoy a more balanced lifestyle by eating more seafood. We are a community, made up of seafood champions from all areas of the industry and powered by you, the people.

At Love Seafood we believe that seafood is a pretty ‘super’ food:

• It’s super tasty: seafood comes in a wide variety of flavours and textures. Making it the perfect addition to countless delicious dishes. 

•  It’s super healthy: seafood is low in fat and high in protein and Omega 3. Therefore eating seafood regularly supports a healthy, balanced lifestyle.  

• It’s super easy: seafood is a simple option for breakfast, brunch, lunch, snack and dinner whether it is fresh, frozen or tinned. 

By eating more seafood, life can be filled with variety, choice and balance, resulting in a healthier, happier nation. Sounds pretty good right? We believe that small changes can make a huge difference. So we want to give you tips, tricks and loads of recipes and resources, to help you start today.

It’s time to Love Seafood!

Gotham fish market.

 

It gets darker, earlier, every day...

all the buyers are masked up...

including Batman and Godfrey, which doesn't have the same kind of ring to it as it would if Mr Turner had still been buying on the market...

the smart money is on mackerel...

or these cracking red mullet which will no doubt be served in one of Mr Outlaw's fine piscatorial eating establishments this evening...

young Mr Nowell hit on the squid this trip...

along with a handful of bass...

while Richard on the Still Waters picked up this beauty...

just the one queenie on the market today...

monk tails, standard fayre for a beam trawl trip

along with these superb turbot...

and a mixture of spotted...

cuckoo...

blonde...

and undulate ray...

a few specimen gurnard...

netted pollack...

and the finest MSc Certified hake from the gill-netter, Ygraine.

New report shines a light on financial struggles of coastal fishers; offers roadmap to resilience

 

"Fishing Without a Safety Net"

New research conducted by the charity Seafarers UK, in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, explores the real financial difficulties inherent for many in earning a living from small-scale fishing. “Fishing Without a Safety Net: The Financial Resilience of Small-Scale Coastal Fishers, their Families and Communities” puts forward a bold set of recommendations for Government, charity and industry to improve the financial resilience of fishing families around the UK. Key proposed actions include boosting financial literacy in fishing communities to improve financial planning; improved Government welfare support, plugging crucial gaps in the current system that disadvantages fishers; access to savings and affordable credit from a credit union, support to budget for tax and plan for insurances and a retirement pension. 

Uncovering an array of different stressors on coastal fishers, the report notes that financial troubles were often the root cause of mental health problems and relationship difficulties for fishers living without a financial ‘safety net’. This challenging reality has been thrown into stark relief by the events of 2020, a year in which the usual uncertainty of earning a living from inshore fishing was struck by the economically devastating COVID-19 pandemic and the closure of hospitality and export markets to sell fresh fish. 

In the report's foreword, Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis MP commented: “Inshore fishermen can, and do, make reasonable profits, but as we have seen from COVID-19, they are amongst the most vulnerable in the sector as they do not have the reserves or flexibilities that are available to others.” 

The report’s findings are based on the real financial problems experienced by 431 fishers and their families who reached out for help from maritime welfare charities, such as SAIL (Seafarers’ Advice & Information Line), the Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society, and Seafarers’ Hospital Society, and was augmented by interviews with fishers from around the UK. The data revealed that amongst 140 working fishers contributing to the study, 63% sought help about debt problems. 

A boat owner interviewed for the report explained one of the issues with some fishers’ financial capability and money management: “The problem is not always low wages; fishermen can earn quite good wages. It is the way people manage their money that is the problem. They don’t seem to be able to plan or save or look after their money. Then they have nothing to fall back on.” 

So, where do the key vulnerabilities lie that lead to these problems with indebtedness? One central aspect of financial vulnerability explored by the report is the share fishing model. A part of fishing life since medieval times, with fishers receiving a share of the value of the total catch, rather than a predictable and stable income. This system is highly prized by many fishers and rewards skill and effort with well-earned pay-outs when the fishing is good. Yet, as crucial factors such as the weather, ability to go to sea, and actual catch can’t be predicted, share fishing leaves fishers with little regularity in what they will earn from one week to the next. This presents challenges to pension planning, affording time away from work when ill, and accessing welfare benefits when needed. 

As a result of this newly granular analysis of the impacts of the share fishing model favoured by many small-scale fishers, Seafarers UK are now proposing a new ‘share fisher plus’ co-operative approach which could support fishers to access to a range of suitable and competitively priced, financial products - Seafarers UK CEO, Catherine Spencer, remarks: “Seafarers UK is now actively exploring how to take forward the development of a co-operative owned by fishers which can facilitate group-purchasing of financial products, as well as potentially providing access to accountancy, taxation and HR support.” 

Such innovations to support financial planning are proposed within the report to help provide a buffer against examples of serious financial strife that fishing families often face. Examples of these include problems with debt and bailiffs, homelessness, an inability to retire as lacking a pension and more. All of which are highlighted in the report’s case studies. 

With examples like these common amongst those contacting maritime welfare charities, Seafarers UK challenges Government with six specific recommendations to render making a living as an inshore fisher more stable and better protected against financial insecurity. This includes a recommendation for HMRC to support fishers in making Income Tax and National Insurance payments, aiming to ensure that fishers aren’t caught out by the financial shock of a large, one-off bill – but instead are supported to budget, in a similar way to PAYE employees. 

“At Seafarers UK we are committed to funding interventions that will strengthen the financial resilience of fishing families and help to ensure that there is a safety net to protect them from their current volatile existence” explains Catherine Spencer. 

Other recommendations to Government include a national action plan to specifically support the small-scale fleet, dedicated support for new entrants, and support for direct to consumer marketing initiatives to ensure a fair price for fish. 

Seafarers UK will launch this report at a free, open-to-all digital event on the 8th October 2020 from 10 am – 12 pm. In addition to an address from Fisheries Minister, Victoria Prentis MP, Seafarers UK will outline how they will be taking forward the report's recommendations and participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to an experienced panel of guests. 

Register for the event here.

Further event details 

Agenda

Speaker bios

Reserve your place on the webinar 

How to refer to the report 

Fishing without a Safety Net: The Financial Resilience of Small-Scale Coastal Fishers, their Families and Communities - ISBN 978-1-5272-7333-7

Sardines galore in Newlyn.

It's all smiles from the crew as they land 150 boxes of hard won hake from the Govenek of Ladram after they endured 24 hours of up to storm Force 10 wind and heavy seas at the start of their five day trip...

astern of them sardines galore...

are brailed ashore from the Asthore...

plenty of slush ice to keep the fish in tip-top condition...

and it's all smiles from the latest crew member still high on the excitement of only his second trip with another big haul of 19 tons under his belt...

those smiles can be seen down on the deck as the last of the fish come ashore...

swung over the tubs...

before being released...

and the brail sent back for another lift...

this short video shows the whole process in action...

another landing of brown crab in progress...

before the Asthore prepares to leave her berth ready for tonight's foray into the bay in the hunt for more sardines.

 

New Deep-Sea Marine Protected Area to be established off Scotland

Europe’s largest Marine Protected Area (MPA) has been announced by Natural Environment Minister Mairi Gougeon. The new MPA, off the West of Scotland, will give additional protections to some of the deepest parts of Scotland’s seas, protecting Scotland’s unique deep sea marine ecosystems.

The addition of the site will mean more than 30% of Scotland’s seas are now covered by MPAs, taking Scotland past the proposed new global target for 2030 currently being negotiated by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. The designation of this site is part of a final package of MPAs that aim to reach the international target of 10% global MPA coverage by the end of 2020. 

The West of Scotland MPA covers an area of over 100,000 square kilometres, making it the largest MPA located in national waters in the entire North-East Atlantic. Featuring the deepest parts of Scotland’s seas at over 2,500 metres, the site will safeguard some of the most vulnerable habitats and species on the planet, including deep sea sharks, coral gardens and a diversity of other fauna.

Ms Gougeon said: “Scotland’s deep sea waters are home to a number of threatened species and habitats including coral gardens and deep sea sharks."  

“The designation of this site will address one of the last gaps in our MPA network and will be key in achieving the international target of 10% of the world’s oceans covered by an MPA by the end of 2020." 

“It also clear evidence of Scotland’s commitment to lead by example internationally on environmental protection. “Protecting Scotland’s marine environment is crucial for supporting the sustainable recovery of our marine industries. This designation will also form a key element of our Blue Economy Action Plan, which we committed to developing in our Programme for Government.”

Local Decision-Making for UK Fishing

As the Fisheries Bill progresses through Parliament on the way to becoming law, the way that UK fisheries are managed is likely to change in the future. One area of interest is the potential role of regional decision-making and governance, such as through local councils, enterprise partnerships and community-led initiatives.

The balance between national and regional decision-making is often debated. Whilst national policy and regulations can help standardise practices, implementation can be ill-fitting at the local level due to regional variations in fishing fleet composition, target species and interactions with other marine activities. Regional decision-making can ensure regulations are better suited to the local context, but it must consider national efforts and work effectively with other sectors.

Fisheries management decisions rarely fall under the remit of local councils, but this is changing in some parts of the UK, as increased connectivity between fisheries and other sectors is sought. Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) are also becoming more involved in fisheries in certain areas, such as through supporting seafood businesses. Additionally, regional initiatives such as Fisheries Local Action Groups (FLAGs) are experiencing changes, as the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) comes to an end for the UK and is replaced by a national funding programme.

In light of this pivotal period for the UK fishing industry, this online event seeks to shed light on how regional governance and decision-making for fisheries management can intersect with national decisions. The event will explore successful case studies in regional decision-making for UK fisheries and fishing communities.

If you wish to attend, or for further information, contact us at secretariat@fisheriesappg.org.