Fisheries Bill

Official Summary

A Bill to make provision about policy objectives in relation to fisheries, fishing and aquaculture; to make provision about access to British fisheries; to make provision about the licensing of fishing boats; to make provision about the determination and distribution of fishing opportunities; to make provision enabling schemes to be established for charging for unauthorised catches of sea fish; to make provision about grants in connection with fishing, aquaculture or marine conservation; to make provision about the recovery of costs in respect of the exercise of public functions relating to fish or fishing; to confer powers to make further provision in connection with fisheries, aquaculture or aquatic animals; to make provision about byelaws and orders relating to the exploitation of sea fisheries; and for connected purposes.

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Overview

This Fisheries Bill sets out new objectives for UK fisheries management, including sustainability, precaution, and ecosystem protection. It aims to control access to UK waters post-Brexit, introduces licensing requirements for both British and foreign fishing vessels, and establishes charging schemes for unauthorised catches. The Bill also details provisions for government grants and charges relating to fishing and aquaculture.

Description

The bill establishes six key objectives for fisheries management: sustainability, precaution, ecosystem protection, reliance on scientific evidence, discard reduction, and equal access for UK fishing boats. It revokes EU regulations requiring equal access for EU vessels to UK waters. The bill introduces mandatory licensing for all British fishing boats (with some exceptions) and for foreign vessels operating within British fishery limits. Licensing authorities will include the Scottish Ministers, Welsh Ministers, Northern Ireland Department and the Marine Management Organisation. The Secretary of State will determine annual fishing opportunities (catch and effort quotas) based on international obligations, ensuring equitable distribution and preventing overfishing. The bill creates a framework for charging schemes to deter unauthorised catches. The Bill also grants the Secretary of State powers to provide financial assistance for various purposes, including marine conservation and aquaculture development, and allows for the imposition of charges to recover costs related to public functions. The bill further empowers the relevant authorities to create regulations covering a wide range of fisheries-related matters, such as disease control and the enforcement of regulations.

Government Spending

The bill does not provide specific figures for government spending. However, it allows for financial assistance (grants and loans) to be provided for various purposes, including marine conservation and aquaculture. The cost will vary depending on the schemes established and the level of funding allocated.

Groups Affected

Fishing Industry: UK fishing businesses will be directly impacted by licensing requirements and the distribution of fishing opportunities. The charging schemes may affect profitability. The grants may help businesses.
Foreign Fishing Vessels: Foreign vessels will need licenses to fish in UK waters, potentially restricting access.
Environmental Groups: The sustainability objectives and conservation measures may benefit environmental groups' conservation efforts.
Government Agencies: Several government agencies (e.g., Marine Management Organisation, devolved administrations) will be responsible for implementing and enforcing the legislation.
Consumers: Changes to fishing practices and market regulations might influence fish prices and availability.

Full Text

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