July 2018
As the UK gears up towards EU Exit, a priority task is to replace the EU Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) for UK waters. Putting in place legislation that simply mirrors what the CFP currently does, allowing fisheries to still function post EU-Exit, is an option. But there is more that could be done if this is seized upon as an opportunity to manage fisheries as the integral part of the marine environment that they are.
The UK Government's 25 Year Environment Plan re-confirms its commitment to achieving 'Good Environmental Status' for the marine environment in England. If this is to be achieved an integrated approach to monitoring, planning and managing the marine environment is needed.
Whilst the Fisheries White Paper commits to continued use of 'Maximum Sustainable Yield' to ensure catches are sustainable, and mentions pursuing an ecosystem approach, there is little detail. This needs to be worked up over the coming few months. The Fisheries Bill is the main instrument which will be used to replace the CFP, and so it is vital that sustainability objectives are incorporated within the Bill.
In my role as Link Marine Group chair I have been working closely with Greener UK and Environment Links UK colleagues to lay out what we mean by sustainable fisheries, and the key principles that need to be enshrined in the Bill. Our overall aim is for 'thriving, sustainable fisheries, set within a healthy marine environment, that support coastal communities and provide consumers with a high quality, sustainable product'. To achieve this, legislation must enable fisheries management to be:
1. Holistic - Fish should be managed as a public resource and an integral part of healthy ocean ecosystems, taking account of the cumulative impact of human activities on the environment.
2. Sustainable - All fish stocks should be restored and maintained above biomass levels capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield.
3. Science-led - The best available science should underpin fisheries management decisions.
4. Accountable - Fisheries should be fully transparent, with target and non-target catches fully documented, infringements properly enforced and fisheries effectively held to account.
5. Fair - Fishing opportunities need to be allocated on the basis of transparent and objective environmental, social and economic criteria, in a way that encourages the most sustainable fishing.
6. Equivalent- The same high environmental standards should apply to all vessels fishing in UK waters.
As well as the Fisheries White Paper, the final tranche of Marine Conservation Zones in England is also being consulted upon at the moment; a report on progress with the Marine Strategy is due in the autumn; the whole governance and principles for environmental regulation post EU-Exit are under consideration and the future relationship between all the countries of the UK is unclear. This feels like a massive jigsaw with most of the pieces moving at the same time. How it all fits together and what it will mean for our seas and the wildlife within them needs clarity. Meaningful join up between and within UK Governments, effective engagement with industry and NGOs and a re-defining of our relationships with EU and international marine organisations will be essential.
This all presents a huge challenge over the coming months but, with the right ambition and willingness to work together, lets make it the best opportunity to improve the protection of our marine environment that there has been for many years.
Chris Tuckett, Director or Programmes, Marine Conservation Society.
Follow the Marine Conservation Society @mcsuk.
The opinions expressed in this blog are the author's and not necessarily those of the wider Link membership.
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