Waveney MP Peter Aldous has pressed the Fishing Minister, George Eustice MP, for a fair share of quota for local fishermen.

Following the first ever transfer of quota from the larger boats to the smaller ones, the under 10m fleet, Peter is calling for more action to support local fishermen.

The new reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) with its emphasis on the social and environmental impact of fishing, provides a great opportunity for the Government to support the inshore fishing fleet in Lowestoft.

In a joint letter to the Fishing Minister from fellow coastal MPs, Amber Rudd  and Laura Sandys, Peter emphasised the need to meet the requirements of Article 17 of the CFP about quota allocation on the basis of environmental, social and economic criteria in order to allow fair opportunities for fishermen.

Peter commented:

“This Government has made significant progress and now needs to address the new requirements associated with the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy. It is vitally important for Lowestoft and East Anglian fishermen that we find a quota allocation system that works for the fish stocks and provides local fishermen with the opportunity to earn a fair living.”