Report | September 14, 2020
Recommendations to the UK Government on the setting of fishing opportunities for Northeast Atlantic fish stocks for 2021
2020 is a unique year and one where the UK Government needs to show leadership as we enter a new era of independent fisheries management outside the European Union. In this context we – ClientEarth, Marine Conservation Society and Oceana – wish to present our recommendations on the setting of Northeast Atlantic fishing opportunities for 2021. It is our hope that these will assist the UK Government in making decisions on fishing opportunities that significantly contribute to restoring and maintaining fish stocks above healthy levels.
Despite some progress made during past years towards delivering sustainable fisheries, the binding EU 2020 deadline for ending overfishing has been missed and UK waters remain among the most heavily exploited in the world. The requirement to end overfishing for all stocks is also an integral component of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Convention on Biodiversity (CBD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14. This situation is also preventing the achievement of Good Environmental Status (GES) indicators required by the Marine Strategy Regulations 2010, as the UK is failing all but four of the fifteen indicators, including all the indicators related to commercial fisheries. 3
Within the UK’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) are some of the most productive fishing grounds in the Northeast Atlantic and 2021 marks the first time in over 40 years that the UK will have the exclusive responsibility of managing its fisheries resources as an independent coastal state. The UK Government has stated its commitment to becoming a “world leader” with “gold standard fisheries management” following its departure from the EU. 4 It is vital the government deliver on this claim, and ensure fishing opportunities set for 2021 do not exceed scientific recommendations, thus finally ending overfishing. This will also result in the UK meeting its commitments under international law and contribute to the development of sustainable fisheries, healthy marine ecosystems and prosperous fishing fleets and coastal communities.
