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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.
Contents
Use the links below to rapidly navigate around the newsletter.

Parliament News | Fisheries News | Hansard Monitoring | Committees

Parliament News

UK and Norway Sign Fisheries Agreement

The continuity agreement means that UK vessels will continue to have access to Norwegian waters following 31 October. The agreement will follow the existing model between Norway and the EU, and will honour existing stock management decisions and quota exchanges.
New Licensing Authority for Fishing in Non-UK Waters

The English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish Fisheries Authorities (UKFAs) have jointly set up the Single Issuing Authority (SIA) to ensure that UK fishermen have the correct licences to fish legally in Norwegian, Faroese and EU waters following Brexit. The SIA can also issue licences allowing non-UK vessels to fish in UK waters.
UK Sea Fisheries Statistics for 2018 Published

The annual UK Sea Fisheries Statistics report has been released by the MMO. Findings include a 4% decrease in the volume of landings and a 1% increase in their total value. Overall, landings by UK vessels were calculated to have a value of £989 million. 74% of the volume landed was from over-24m vessels.

Track the Progress of the Fisheries Bill

Given that the prorogation of Parliament was deemed unlawful by the Supreme Court, the Fisheries Bill will resume its progress through the House of Commons, picking up at Report stage, at a date to be announced. Read our digest of the Bill on the APPG blog.

Fisheries News

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

North Sea Cod Fishery Loses MSC Certification Following Decline
MSC accreditation is to be removed as scientists report that stocks have fallen below safe biological limits, potentially due to climate change or poor recruitment.

Industry Leaders Working Together to Find Solutions to Cut in North Sea Cod TAC
Following scientific advice to cut the Total Allowable Catch of stocks by two-thirds, the industry is collaborating to develop 'bottom-up' cod avoidance measures.

MSC Certification Will Not be Reinstated for North East Atlantic Mackerel
Despite the latest scientific evidence suggesting stocks are healthy, MSC says that factors such as international disagreements over quota allocation led to the decision.

European Fisheries Alliance Meets EU Chief Negotiator to Discuss Brexit Scenarios
EUFA met with Michel Barnier to discuss all possible outcomes, reiterating that strong links between fisheries and trade will be necessary to avoid disruption.

Scottish Fishing Industry Asks Ministers to Address Potential Seafood Trade Issues
Industry leaders say that a potential no-deal Brexit needs to be properly approached, with regards to export health certificates, seafood labelling and access to labour.

Scottish Sea Fisheries Statistics 2018 Report Reveals 2018 was a Strong Year
At £574 million, the value of fish landed by Scottish vessels was among the highest on record. The report also indicated rising numbers of people working in the industry.

New Report Suggests Sustainable Seafood Could Help Mitigate Climate Change
The report, presented at the UN Climate Action Summit, said that responsibly sourced plant- and ocean-based foods often have a lower carbon cost than meat.

Waterdance Reports that Selective Fishing Gear Helps Fulfil Landing Obligation
The major beam trawler operator says that fishing gear that avoids almost all undesired species has allowed effective compliance with the Landing Obligation.

Aldi UK & Ireland is the Latest Signatory of Ocean Disclosure Project
The major retailer is the latest to commit to publishing information on seafood sourcing, fishery management and environmental impact within its supply chain.

MSC Urges Adaptation on Marine Matters in the Face of Climate Change
In response to the recent IPCC report on the ocean, MSC says that the global fishing industry and governments must cooperate to ensure fisheries are resilient to change.

Complex Brexit Negotiations Needed for Fishing, says Marine Law Expert
Charles Hattersley of Ashfords Law says that careful negotiations will be needed to ensure the fishing industry benefits from Brexit, and predicts a difficult interim period.

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.

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.
 

UK Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals Inquiry
In July, the International Development Committee published its latest Report of Session on the UK's progress on Sustainable Development Goals: The Voluntary National Review. The government responded in September.

Scrutiny of the Fisheries Bill Inquiry
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee examined the proposed scope, provisions and powers in the Fisheries Bill (which is currently progressing through Parliament). 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 responded to that report and the Sub-Committee's follow-up report was published in July. 


No-Deal Preparations: Energy and Environment
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee is examining the UK’s preparation for a no-deal Brexit, including consideration of potential impact on fishing rights. Oral evidence gathering has concluded and ministerial correspondence is ongoing. 
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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