17 December 2014
Waveney MP Peter Aldous has today welcomed Government negotiations at the annual EU Fisheries and Agriculture Council where fishing quotas for 2015 were agreed.
 
The new fishing quotas deal will see a 20 per cent increase for North Sea monkfish, a 15 per cent increase for North Sea prawns and a 14 per cent increase for West Coast haddock.
 
Whilst negotiations with the European Commission were difficult, the Fishing Minister, George Eustice, has secured the best possible deal to ensure sustainable fisheries and a strong UK fishing industry based on three principles:-
  • Following the available scientific advice;
  • Achieving sustainable levels of fishing and;
  • Reducing discards.
By introducing new science to the industry, the Government is able to keep the same quota as last year for many species, including monkfish, megrim and pollock in the South West and skates and rays around the UK. This was in addition to important increases to North Sea cod and haddock quotas which will benefit Scottish fishermen.
 
Aldous commented:
 
“If we want a long-term future for the fishing industry, it is only right that we listen to the available science and agree on fishing opportunities which support the sustainability of fishing stocks. These negotiations make good progress in achieving this. Whilst it is disappointing that no decision was reached on improving sea bass stocks, I welcome the Fishing Minister’s assurances that he will be following up on the Commission’s commitment to work with EU Member States in the New Year.”
 
This follows Mr Aldous’ speech in the Annual Fisheries Debate in the House of Commons on Thursday 11th December, in which he warned that there is still a lot more work to be done to secure a more sustainable future for Lowestoft’s inshore fishing fleet and urged for:-
  • The inshore fleet to have proper representation on advisory councils.
  • Skippers of inshore boats to receive an increase in their monthly catch limits, so that they are no longer beholden to Producer Organisations for handouts.
  • Quota only to be held by active fishermen who bring real benefits to their local communities not by foreign vessels nor non-active fishermen who only hold quota as an investment.
  • Any renegotiation on the UK’s future membership of the EU membership should include as a priority demand the reclaiming of the UK’s territorial waters in the 6 to 12 nautical mile area to allow fish stocks to be properly protected with priority access being given to local fishermen who depend on these waters for their survival.
Mr Aldous will continue to campaign for these in the New Year to secure a fairer deal for fishermen in Lowestoft.