UK Must Not Buckle to Brussels Over Fishing Access

Brussels is set to demand that Britain surrender its fishing rights and adhere to European Union laws for the first time since Brexit, ahead of trade deal negotiations next year.

Leaked documents reveal that Sir Keir Starmer may be forced to dismantle the UK’s independent marine protection policies and grant European fishing boats access to British waters.

In its push to reclaim fishing rights lost after Brexit the European Union is threatening our fisheries and hard-fought measures like the closure of the sandeel fishery in the North Sea, banning damaging bottom-trawling in Marine Protected Areas and introducing flyseining measures.

Brussels is set to demand that Britain surrender its fishing rights and adhere to European Union laws for the first time since Brexit.

Should the UK government give in to these demands to improve its relationship with Europe?

As an independent coastal state, the Angling Trust believes the UK should not compromise on its rights to manage its fisheries sustainably and independently.

The strides made by the UK in fish stock recovery and marine protection must be preserved and built upon. These measures are positive, and allowing greater EU access to UK waters could undo much of the progress made since Brexit.

The Angling Trust strongly opposes any proposition of re-joining the Common Fisheries Policy too. Since the UK’s departure from the European Union, recreational sea fishing is finally recognised as a stakeholder in UK fisheries under the Fisheries Act (2020) and accompanying Joint Fisheries Statement and Fisheries Management Plans. We stand firm behind the UK’s new Fisheries Management Plan programme as a roadmap for creating world-class fisheries that support vibrant fisheries and coastal communities.

Since Brexit, the UK, EU and Norway negotiate fishing opportunities annually via bilateral and trilateral negotiations. Whilst some progress has been made, it is painfully slow. Last year only 42% of catch limits were set at sustainable limits, so the bar was already low. This year’s discussions have sparked even more concern, especially around stocks like Celtic Sea cod. The catch limit set for Celtic Sea cod exceeds the entire remaining population, further driving this species toward extinction. If the UK reunites with Europe on fishing rights there is a real risk of progress weakening further.

The Angling Trust is prepared to fight for fish, fishing and the environment on behalf of the recreational sea angling community.

As the UK government prepares for renegotiation talks next year, the Angling Trust stands firm in its position: No deal should be made that compromises the UK’s sovereignty over its waters and its ability to manage its fisheries for the benefit of its fishing communities and the environment.

Alongside others in the world of fishing and marine protection, the Angling Trust is prepared to fight for fish, fishing and the environment on behalf of the recreational sea angling community

What is the Trade and Cooperation Agreement?

The Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) is the deal that sets out the trading relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union following Brexit. It was finalised on December 24, 2020, and came into effect on January 1, 2021. This agreement covers a wide range of areas, including trade, security, law enforcement, and fishing rights, ensuring that both sides have a framework for their ongoing relationship after the UK left the EU.

One of the key features of the TCA is that it allows for tariff-free trade between the UK and EU, but with strict rules about customs checks and regulatory standards. It also includes provisions on issues like security, research collaboration, and citizen rights. However, despite the benefits, the TCA has been criticised for creating new barriers to trade and for its complex regulations, particularly in relation to fishing.

Under the TCA, fishing rights in UK waters were re-negotiated, and the EU retained some access to UK waters for its fishing fleets. The agreement allowed for a gradual reduction of EU fishing quotas in UK waters, with a final shift in 2026.

As recreational sea anglers, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged in matters that directly impact the health of our ocean and the future of our sport. The Angling Trust is committed to fighting for fish, fishing and the environment.