The first few weeks of 2020 have proved to be a busy time for our fisheries team, with the UK’s exit from the EU and resulting Fisheries Bill, as well as the introduction of an electronic recording system for fishing vessels under 10m in length.

Fisheries Bill

Following Brexit, the UK has become an Independent Coastal State under the provisions of The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).  It now has its own 200-mile limit forming its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).  Although the limit is 200 miles in many areas it does only extend out to the median between the UK and our European neighbours.  The UK’s waters form a very large portion of the EU’s waters and their sudden removal will cause significant issues for the remaining EU fleet.  Fishing, and access to UK waters and quotas, has become a central part of the post-Brexit negotiations, with  the now published Fisheries Bill stating that EU and other non-UK vessels will only be allowed into UK waters if the UK licenses them to do so.

On this subject, shipping and transport partner Andrew Oliver, who heads up our fisheries team, was recently invited to provide oral evidence to the House of Lords’ EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee in relation to its deliberations on Post-Brexit Access to UK waters.

With the government aiming to have an agreement in place with the EU27 on fisheries by 1st July, our team will be keeping a close eye on developments so that we can advise our clients on the best course of action.

Fish reporting app

The new Under 10m fish reporting app, which has been criticised by industry as being unworkable, has caused anger after a document published on a government website went viral on social media when it described under 10m fishermen as being greedy and deliberately evading its use. Andrew was contacted by the BBC Politics Show and the Press Association for his comments about the app; he advised that as the comments were published on a government web site the government should take ownership of them and apologise.  The comments may also point to greater defects with the implementation of the app.

If you would like to learn more about the services of the Fishing, Shipping and Marine department and how Andrew can assist you and your business, you can contact him directly by emailing andrew.oliver@andrewjackson.co.uk or speak to a member of the team today by calling 01482 325242.