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Welcome to the APPG on Fisheries stakeholder newsletter. Through regular updates, we aim to keep you informed of policy developments, Parliamentary announcements and sector headlines. We also provide round-ups of current Committee inquiries and fisheries-focused monitoring of the Parliamentary record, Hansard.

Parliament News

A diverse seven-person panel has been announced to review whether Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs) could be added to the UK’s marine protected area network. Social and economic impacts of HPMAs will be considered. Extensive stakeholder consultation will help determine HPMA criteria and pilot sites.
Defining Low Impact Fisheries to Guide Fisheries White Paper

Defining low-impact fisheries could aid their management, given how often they are mentioned in the Fisheries White Paper and the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan. The New Economic Foundation suggests some criteria for how to distinguish low impact fishing from high impact activity.
Inshore Fisheries Conference to be Held in London – Funding Available for Fishermen

A conference exploring the future management of UK inshore fisheries will be held in London this October. The event aims to gather inshore fisheries stakeholders to discuss how to best manage inshore fisheries. Fishermen from across the UK can apply for Seafish funding to attend. 
A New Approach to Allocating Additional Quota in England

A Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs consultation remains open until 30 August 2019, seeking submissions to guide the future of additional fishing quota allocation, post-Brexit. Data submissions and personal narratives of different management systems are being sought.

Track the Progress of the Fisheries Bill

The proposed Fisheries Bill is set to replace the Common Fisheries Policy following the UK's departure from the EU. The Bill is over halfway through the House of Commons, and is currently awaiting the Report Stage. Track its progress here and read our digest of the Bill on the APPG blog.

Committees
UK Parliamentary Committees consist of a small number of MPs and/or Peers appointed to deal with particular issues. There are several Committee inquiries and reports relevant to the fisheries industry.

Sustainable Development Goals Inquiry

The Environmental Audit Committee held a one-off evidence session concerning the UK's Voluntary National Review of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 14 concerns our marine environment.

Scrutiny of the Fisheries Bill Inquiry
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee launched a short inquiry on the proposed scope, provisions and powers in the Fisheries Bill. Their report is available and is awaiting government response.

Sustainable Seas Inquiry
The Environmental Audit Committee launched an inquiry examining how to protect marine life and how the Government can create a more sustainable blue economy. Their report is available and has received government response.

EU Landing Obligation Inquiry
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee's inquiry concluded that the UK is 'unprepared for new fisheries conservation rules.' The government has responded to that report and the Sub-Committee's follow up report was published on 16 July 2019. 

No Deal Preparations: Energy and Environment
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee is examining the UK’s preparation for a no deal Brexit. The investigation is ongoing and includes consideration of how a no deal Brexit will impact fishing rights in both the UK and EU waters. 

Fisheries News
A round-up of the latest UK-relevant fishing news from a variety of sources.

Skipper's Certificates Will be Introduced by 2020 to Improve Fishermen's Safety
By 2020, skippers of fishing vessels between 7m and 16.5m could be required to hold a skipper's certificate. The initiative aims to improve safety at sea. 

House of Lords Inquiry Finds ‘Little Impact’ Since Landing Obligation Implementation
The House of Lords Landing Obligation Inquiry has delivered a report, finding that the EU Landing Obligation has had ‘little impact’ since its introduction six months ago. 

Summer Herring Season Underway in Scotland 
Most of the first catch will be exported to The Netherlands to make the Dutch speciality: maatjes herring. With awareness of  locally sourced food ‘higher than ever,’ we might see more catch stay in the UK. 

Seafood Innovation Fund will Support Research and Development
The £10 million Seafood Innovation Fund will support research and development to drive advancements that can improve the sustainability of UK fisheries. Applicants from across the seafood and technology sectors are all encouraged to apply. 

Report on Devices to Reduce Seal Bycatch and the Impact of Seals on Catch
The Marine Management Organisation has released a report summarising perspectives from fisheries stakeholders about the use of non-lethal seal deterrents in UK fisheries. 

A Boost to Scotland's Marine Economy 
£4.2 million from the European and Maritime Fisheries Fund, plus an additional £1.4 million from the Scottish Government will create jobs and contribute to improving export opportunities and seafood processing facilities in Scotland. 

Fishing Animateurs Support Fishermen Applying to the EMFF
This European and Maritime Fisheries Fund opportunity closes in mid-September and provides opportunity for fishermen to apply for sea safety gear. 

Hansard Monitoring
Hansard is the official record of debates, votes and ministerial statements in Parliament. Our newsletters gather together any debates or questions concerning fisheries that have recently taken place.

Question regarding Government commitment to promoting sustainable fishing in developing countries

Mention of fisheries in statement by the incoming Prime Minister, outlining the Government priorities

Discussion regarding when debate on the Fisheries Bill will continue

Statement by incoming Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, including mention of fisheries

Question regarding the prospect of providing support to families for eating healthier foods, and how this links to the goals of the Fisheries Bill 

Discussion on the potential impacts and opportunities that Brexit may bring for the fishing industry
For more information, contact the APPG on Fisheries Secretariat

Katrina Ryan, Sara Mynott, Jacob Ashton and Rebecca Kaye
secretariat@fisheriesappg.org
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The All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group
Office of Sheryll Murray MP
Houses of Parliament
Westminster
London SW1A 0AA

secretariat@fisheriesappg.org

@FisheriesAPPG

Please note, The All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group is not responsible for the content of external websites.

This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its committees. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues.