23 October 2019

Having chaired the Renaissance of the East Anglia Fisheries (REAF) Steering Group since its inception in 2018, on Thursday 17 October I hosted the launch of the UK’s first regional fishing strategy, presenting a framework for revitalising East Anglia’s fishing industry.

The REAF strategy spells out the opportunities presented across all sectors of the industry.  It was born of a unique community-led partnership between three local authorities, the local fishing industry, government agencies and a major port operator. 

Now is a moment of great potential and great threat for the East Anglian fishing industry and it is vital that decisions are taken both now and over the next two years. The strategy unfolds a compelling story of opportunity for fragile coastal communities alongside the agonising risk of losing a culture and proud history of both commercial and small-scale artisanal fishing. 

The opportunity is remarkable.  If the strategy is implemented, when the UK departs from the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, there could be a seven-fold increase in the value of the quota fish stocks caught by UK vessels fishing in the Southern North Sea and a 25% increase in the value of other fish caught regionally by UK vessels. This would bring new investment and employment opportunities. Local fishermen would be able to make a decent living, fish processors would see supplies on their doorstep increase dramatically, there could be 300 new jobs onshore as well as offshore and 25 or more vessels added to the UK fleet in the Southern North Sea. The strategy represents a once in a generation chance to revitalise hard pressed coastal communities, reversing decades of decline and adding in excess of £32m to the economy of the region.

The strategy makes the case for the fishery to be managed as mixed fishery, for better data on fish stocks, for sustainable fishing practices and a clear objective of maintaining fish stocks at maximum sustainable yield whilst recognising the reality of mixed fisheries.

The consequences of failure to act will lead to changes in the fishing sector which could turn out to be potentially irreversible. On the one hand, in ten years’ time there could be a thriving sector, celebrating its diversity along the coast, supporting many more jobs off- and on-shore than at present, or alternatively, nearly all the traditional coastal fishing and associated processing and retail businesses could have disappeared.

To deliver the strategy and secure a positive future for the fishing industry, REAF looks to work in partnership with Defra and the various regulatory bodies. 

A digital copy of the REAF Group Report, is available here