Will the UK-EU Fisheries Deal Deliver for Sustainability and Coastal Communities?

The Angling Trust has today responded to the initial UK-EU fisheries announcement with a clear message: sustainability and our coastal communities must come first – not political expediency or short-term economic gains.

Recreational sea anglers across the UK are on the front line, witnessing the decline of fish stocks. Trust in the system is eroding as enforcement at sea is failing. Today’s government announcement raises more questions than answers – with little clarity on whether long-term sustainability or science-based management will take priority.

Less than half of UK-EU fishing limits are currently based on the best-available scientific advice. In the Celtic Sea, the cod quota exceeds the entire adult population – an indefensible decision that violates national and international commitments.

Hannah Rudd, Marine Policy and Research Manager at the Angling Trust commented:

“This deal was a crucial opportunity to reset how the UK and EU manage shared fish stocks – to put science, sustainability, and fairness at the heart of decision-making. Instead, we fear it may be yet another missed chance. Recreational sea anglers contribute an estimated £1.5 billion to the UK economy, yet their voices are too often ignored. We need policies that rebuild trust, recover fish stocks, and put an end to the wasteful, high-impact industrial practices that are damaging our seas. We await to hear more details from the UK Government in the coming days.”

The Angling Trust  has called for a new direction in UK-EU fisheries cooperation, including:

• Exclusive UK access to our 0 -12 nautical mile limit to protect sensitive coastal areas and give space to low-impact fishing, both recreational and commercial.
• Science-based quotas, ending fishing limits that breach national and international commitments – like the indefensible Celtic Sea cod quota.
• Tougher action on bycatch and discards, including real-time monitoring and proper enforcement of the discard ban and bycatch allowances.
• Meaningful protection for Marine Protected Areas, with strong enforcement and a ban on destructive bottom-towed gear throughout the entire UK network.
• Boosted at-sea enforcement, including greater investment in patrols and better coordination. The first prosecution for illegal bottom-towed gear in a UK MPA is a welcome precedent, but routine enforcement and prosecutions, where the law is broken, is essential
• Support for low-impact, high-value fishing, like recreational fishing, to help coastal communities thrive while aiding marine recovery.

The UK Government has also announced a £360 million Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund.

As soon as more details are available, we will share them with the community.