Peter Aldous raises concerns that by not enforcing total allowable catches (TACs) for non-quota fish stocks in UK waters we have undermined our inshore fleet and sent a signal that the UK will not enforce rules designed to promote sustainable fishing and our domestic fishing industry, and calls for enforcement of TACs in the coming year.
Peter Aldous (Waveney) (Con)
The non-enforcement of total allowable catches for non-quota species in UK waters this year has not only undermined our inshore fleet but may have sent a signal that the UK will not enforce rules designed to promote sustainable fishing and our domestic industry. That might have played a contributory role in the lead-up to these incidents. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that those TACs will be enforced in the coming year?
George Eustice (The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
I do not think that there is a connection between the approach taken on non-quota stocks, for which there was specific provision in the trade and co-operation agreement, and the specific issue about certain vessels that do not qualify for access to our waters. On my hon. Friend’s other point, we will be discussing that again with the European Commission at the next annual UK-EU bilateral negotiations. It remains our position that some limits must be set on non-quota stock species. We will seek to progress that next year.