Deal or No Deal?

Are the scales now tipping back in favour of the status quo for UK fishing?

As anyone who has been reading the NEF blog over the past few years will recognise, fisheries — while only making up a tiny part of the UK economy — has developed totemic status in the UK’s Brexit narrative and remains one of the major obstacles to a UK-EU deal.

In the run-up to the Brexit referendum, it was impossible to avoid hearing about fisheries and Brexit and the oft-repeated soundbite of ​“taking back control” of our waters. This fits a portrayal of the UK as an island nation with a proud maritime heritage, so fishing has become the posterchild for a new chapter outside the EU. Brexit was sold to the public and fishing industry as a ​“sea of opportunity” by politicians and industry bodies alike. It wasn’t convenient for Brexit advocates to focus on the downsides of leaving the single market and customs union in any cost-benefit analysis.

Since the dim and distant days of the referendum, our research has shown a sea of risks for the majority of fishing fleet in the UK, with Brexit likely to create more losers than winners when it comes to fishing. The House of Lords European Union Committee was extremely clear in December 2016, that if the UK fishing industry as a whole is to thrive post-Brexit, it will need to continue to have access to EU markets. The majority of UK-caught fish and shellfish ends up in the EU. The total volume of the UK’s fish exports to the EU, including fish and shellfish, amounted to 342,000 metric tons in 2018 – so the impacts of tariffs and non-tariff barriers are extremely significant.

But due to the influence of money in politics and the media, the media coverage was skewed by powerful fishing lobbyists (as our analysis showed), who were quoted time and again, without any attention being paid to those who stood to lose out.

For this reason, we went to fishing ports around the UK to try to provide a voice for those who were most at risk, marginalised in the discussion, the politics and the media. We made a video in 2018 and took their voices straight to Westminster for a cross-party event.

Up until September of this year, lobbyists for the large-scale fishing fleet (representing mainly quota owners and those fishing for quota species, who are more likely to benefit from Brexit) were pushing the government to stand firm for fishermen, by refusing to compromise on EU fleets’ access to UK waters or status quo when it comes to quotas. Although by this point, international fishing industry commentators were already very clear about the risks of not having a fisheries agreement in place, both for the sustainable management of fisheries and for a sustainable industry.

Now, in November 2020, the tune is starting to change. The penny is clearly starting to drop.

The government guidance on exporting seafood to the EU is unworkable, and fishing industry leaders shared their concerns in a letter to the government, stating that the guidance places an unrealistic administrative burden on fishers who used to be able to sell their fish to the EU easily. The Financial Times has reported that there would need to be four times as many people involved in filling out the paperwork as there were working as fishermen. French fishing interests aren’t going to retreat without a fight and the narrative around who is to blame for the apparent plight of the UK fishing industry is also shifting away from ​‘them catching our fish’ to ​‘we sold them the rights to catch it’.

But with time running out and ​“project fear becoming project fact” we don’t have the luxury of time. If the government fails to get a deal with the EU, a no-deal Brexit will be the final nail in the coffin for the struggling fishing industry. It would cause immense problems for fishers who export to the EU, and those who fish for shellfish outside of the EU quota system. Suddenly, the bullish narrative of the Brexit referendum has shifted. The costs to fishers are finally being recognised and concerns all over the UK are coming to the fore.

A deal now looks more likely, as the consequences of not having access to the main market for seafood would be cataclysmic for an industry already heavily impacted by Covid-19 and its impacts on seafood markets, restaurants and pubs.

The most extreme Brexiteers are now clutching at straws as the reality of no deal can no longer be ignored, with suggestions that our coastal communities will be rebuilt on the strength of their ability to use ​‘fish guts’ in pharmaceuticals (despite the fact that the EU has already been working on this, and that the UK could do it far more effectively with international support).

So, many years down the line and approaching the final days of negotiation the only viable political option appears to be an agreement that sounds like ​‘taking back control’ but really doesn’t change the status quo all too much. This would mean the UK civil servants and large-scale fisheries lobby can both be happy and a tale can be spun to say that the deal was reached to protect the small-scale fleet from a disastrous no deal.

Taking back control, to change nothing, isn’t really that catchy – but looks like the least worse option.

Full story from the New Economics Foundation BY Chris Williams 

19 NOVEMBER 2020 

Best Practices to Prevent and Reduce abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear

 

 

It has been estimated that 640,000 tonnes of fishing gear is lost or abandoned in the oceans every year, which traps fish or other marine life and negatively impact marine ecosystems. FAO in collaboration with GGGI is running workshops on abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear around the world. Through these workshops, co-funded by the European Union and the Government of the Netherlands, they provide with instruments, such the Voluntary Guidelines for the Marking of Fishing Gear (VGMFG), to address ghost fishing and marine litter from fisheries activities. 

This video shows the workshop held in Panama and also the experience of the country to tackle this issue.

World Fisheries Day.

From Friday night when the guard ship Rover Alpha arrived...

to Saturday morning when the Millenia headed back to berth...

work continued on the Billy Rowney...

her beams getting a makeover...

to the Ajax, now back home after a huge post-fire repair job on the wheelhouse...

the guard ship in daylight...

to the aluminium deck plating being prepared...

to go aboard Rowse's latest crabber, Francesca...

an ex-trawler undergoing a huge makeover for potting...

meanwhile, there's much discussion over the apparent lack of availability of frozen water in the port this morning...

a short video reminder that the 21st of November is World Fisheries Day.
 

URGENT CALL TO FISHERMEN FOR INFORMATION AND EVIDENCE ON FISHING RELATED ISSUES

 

NUTFA are currently urgently seeking information from Fishermen on a wide variety of issues faced by fishermen, including but not limited to, the following: 

• Loss of Bass Fishing Entitlement 
• Share Fishermen Status and negative impact on any Benefit Entitlement 
• Lack of Entitlement to Industrial Injury Scheme 
• Ineligibility of Fisheries Response Fund payment and Appeal Procedure for FRF 
• Any difficulties encountered by Fishermen with Vessel Monitoring Scheme (VMS or IVMS - where applicable) 
• Any regulatory challenges Fishermen struggling to tackle with Regulator(s) Debt difficulties faced due to lack of fishing during winter of 2019 and/or Covid19 measures and impact on fish sales 
• Problems with CatchApp recording and any support requested or required for compliance purposes 

NUTFA have a dialogue with Regulators on a variety of current issues, together with those that are likely to affect the fishing industry in the short and long term as we navigate Brexit. To have some hope of policies being drafted effectively, and to have a way of communicating concerns during this transitional process, all fishermen are asked to make contact with NUTFA to put together an informed, detailed, and thorough analysis of the current situation, not only in respect of Covid19 impact, but with regard to fishing concerns generally. 

Championing best practice and forcing change where necessary, through challenging current and future policy, is the only way forward to ensure a sustainable inshore fishing fleet. We therefore very much welcome contact from all members of the inshore fleet to enable us to collate information, advice fishermen, and bring about change where necessary for the survival of the smaller scale fishermen in coastal communities currently struggling to keep afloat. 

We very much welcome contact either via email on jerry@nutfa.co.uk or sarah@nutfa.co.uk or via telephone on the details given on the Contact area.

Fathom 29: Preparing for the 1st January with the MMO

 

We’re deep into November, and the tumultuous, exhausting year of 2020 is coming to an end. And who could be better placed to give an end of 2020 check-in, than Tom McCormack, CEO of the MMO. Tom joins us on the podcast with his top team Phil Haslam, Operations Director, and Michelle Willis, Finance Director, to outline a number of critical updates from the MMO that will help the industry navigate the UK’s fast-approaching transition to an independent coastal state.

It’s easy to get lost in all the Brexit jargon and overwhelmed by the plethora of changes happening this year. But as Tom says, ‘we want to focus first on what we know... the EU transition period is definitely ending on the 31st of December.’ He continues, ‘whether there’s a trade agreement or not, things will change. We need to be ready to fish in our own waters and in EU waters’.

Phil then gives an overview of how exporting and importing will change on January 1st. Exported fish will need catch certificates, as proof of legal and sustainable sourcing - to facilitate this process, the MMO are piloting an online platform on which fishermen can apply for catch certificates, and access useful services (including a 24/7 helpline) to support their applications. This week represents an iterative ‘warm up period’, allowing the industry to trial this Fish Export Service and give their feedback. We also hear about licencing, control and enforcement.

The MMO have been a vast source of support for fishermen throughout recent months, running ‘MMO outdoors’ for face-to-face support as the pandemic has unfolded. Michelle confirms that as of December 29th, support will be 24/7. Also to note is the repurposing of £800,000 of Maritime and Fisheries Fund (MFF) funding - which so far has been invested in winches, refrigeration, and health and safety projects, and to which new applications are encouraged.

There are a number of key things that fishermen should do now to prepare:

Register for the Fish Export Service if you intend to direct land in the EU, and join the dummy run to familiarise yourself with the system 

Register for your IMO number - contact the MMO with your phone number and email address if you haven’t already done so Attend the MMO’s workshops, where you can ask real-time questions, happening between 21 - 26 Nov Get in touch with the MMO 

These dark winter months are the perfect time to ready yourself for the incoming changes - as usual, Fathom is here to help you, with an easily-digestible, conversational breakdown from the experts.

Fathom guests

Tom McCormack, MMO Phil Haslam, MMO Michelle Willis, MMO

Useful links

• Prepare your fisheries business for changes from January 1st 2021

• Exporting fish to the EU from January 1st 2021

• One stop shop

Series of helpful guides

Support the show

MMO Brexit worries? - your chance to put your concerns and questions across in a zoom meeting in your area.

 

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) is holding a number of webinars with Operations Director, Phil Haslam about the latest marine and fishing guidance for what you’ll need to do from 01 January 2021.

The MMO said, “We have been listening to our marine and fishing industries and adapting accordingly. While negotiations on any trade agreements continue, there is still much we can all do to prepare for the changes and opportunities ahead as an independent coastal state. 

 “We would like to offer you an opportunity to join Phil Haslam, Operations Director, at the Marine Management Organisation on a video call where we will update you on the latest guidance and information. “The call will be useful for active fishing businesses fishing in both UK or EU waters, fishers who direct land catch into the EU, and merchants and companies that export fish and seafood to the EU. 

You will also have an opportunity to ask questions or you can send your questions to us in advance to communications@marinemanagement.org.uk.” 

The time, dates and regions are listed below: 

•  North East and North West marine area Monday 23 November, 16.00 – 17.00 Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 916 961A2 0943 Passcode: 045361 

•  East marine area Tuesday 24 November, 13.00 – 14.00 Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 993 2545 0769 Passcode: 801319 

•  South East and South marine area Tuesday 24 November, 13.00 – 14.00 Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 928 2319 1608 Passcode: 005849 

•  South West marine area Wednesday 25 November, 11.00 – 12.00 Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 944 8805 4869 Passcode: 163457 

If you would like to attend, simply join one of the video calls by using the details above. 

Additional information and support:

The MMO have extended their helpline hours and the team in fisheries management to assist businesses preparing for the end of the transition period. This will be further extended from 16 November. 

 

The MMO are also assisting fishers and merchants to meet the required deadlines for data submission and this has had a positive response with improvements so far in many areas and have developed a ‘one-stop-shop’ signposting commercial fishers, merchants and exporters to the help and support available as they get ready for the end of the transition period. 

You can also sign up for email updates on the government’s website.

January 1st 2021 catch certificate chaos - Fishing leaders demand clarity from Defra.

 

Lorries loaded with fish for export

Leaders in the UK fishing industry have written to the Secretary of State, George Eustice warning that that the government’s bureaucratic requirements needed to export fish to the EU from 01 January will have a “seriously detrimental effect” on the industry. 

The joint letter sent on 30 October, asks the Secretary for Defra and the MMO (Marine Management Organisation) to urgently reconsider the arrangements being put in place for validation catch certificates for fish that are exported abroad. The letter says that the MMO ‘s proposals would have a serious detrimental effect on fish exports from the UK and on the future viability of large segments of the catching sector, auction houses, merchants and processors. 

The group writes 

“It would be the final straw for many businesses which are still facing extremely tough times because of the pandemic. This affects all sectors and just about all sizes of vessels.” Follow The Fishing Daily In the letter they warn that any delay in getting fish on to foreign markets could be detrimental for the fishing and seafood industry. Seafood handlers are afraid that delays could mean losses of fish, which is highly perishable, and in return, this would mean massive damage to reputations and huge financial losses. 

At fault, they say, is the new regulatory system for monitoring fish and shellfish. From 01 January 2021, all fish exports will need to be accompanied by a catch certificate. 

“The MMO now seems to be insisting that before a catch certificate can be issued in the new regime for 2021, logbook landing declarations, catch app returns and sales notes must be with the MMO before a catch certificate can be checked and validated.” 

This means that all this information must be gathered and submitted by the deadline set in the EU Regulations, and the data on landing declarations and sales notes must match. The group believes that theoretically, “this might not seem unreasonable, but it fails to take into account regulatory, logistical and commercial realities.” 

The group claims that if the MMO insists on having all documents submitted to them before a catch certificate is issued, it will in effect “exclude any export within 48 hours of that fish/shellfish being landed, with all the loss of value and quality that this brings.” 

Another area of concern for the group is weighing. The MMO has been unable to explain how they will reconcile two or three different weights for the same fish (including estimates and where only a portion of the catch is exported) and be able to validate the catch certificate. “Local MMO staff seem to be as perplexed about this as we are,” says the group. 

The letter says that the issue has been raised with Defra officials on a number of occasions, but so far without resolution. The letter concludes by saying “Ironically, the Government has identified and acknowledged that perishable seafood products should be given systems priority for exports over other goods, whilst at the same time we are presented with MMO demands that do the very opposite, by effectively delaying exports.” 

The letter was signed by: Newlyn Fish Auction, Ocean Fish, Falfish Ltd, Trelawney Fish, Ocean Harvest, Bluesail Fish, Ltd, Interfish Ltd, Coombe Fisheries Ltd, Plymouth Trawler Agents, Brixham Trawler Agents, Ian Perkes Fish Merchants, Dartmouth Crab Company Ltd, South West Fish Producers Organisation, Trident Fish, Samways Fish Merchants, Brighton and Newhaven Fish Sales Ltd, South East Fishermen’s Protection Association, Felixstowe Ferry Fishermen’s Association, Harwich Harbour Fishermen’s Association, Chapman’s Fish Group, DFDS Transport Ltd etc.