News: House of Commons dinner addresses challenges facing the UK’s distant fishing fleet

House of Commons dinner addresses challenges facing the UK’s distant fishing fleet

This week, a House of Commons dinner hosted by UK Fisheries Advisory Board Chair Sir Barney White-Spunner and CEO Jane Sandell brought together key industry stakeholders and members of Parliament to discuss the pressing issues facing the UK’s distant fishing fleet. Sponsored by Melanie Onn, MP for Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes, the event provided a valuable opportunity to unite parliamentarians from both sides of the House alongside media representatives and Mike Cohen, the CEO of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO).

The discussions focused on the disproportionate gains achieved by the approximately 20 boats of the Pelagic fleet compared to the broader UK fishing fleet, highlighting concerns about equity and sustainability. In particular, the conversation centered on the unnecessary loss of two-thirds of the distant waters fishing quota in the Barents Sea, which has resulted in UK Fisheries having to sell two of their trawlers and lay off their crews, which is clearly neither good for the company or the Humberside economy. Attendees emphasised that such losses could have been avoided with more strategic negotiations, underscoring the need for a clear and unified approach in future talks.

Speakers stressed that success for the distant fishing fleet should not come at the expense of smaller boats operating out of Cornwall and other regions. With the right negotiation strategies, it is possible to secure a positive outcome that benefits the entire UK fishing sector. The dinner served as a reminder that equitable solutions and comprehensive negotiations are crucial to safeguarding the livelihoods of fishermen across the country.

The evening concluded with a call for greater collaboration between industry leaders, policymakers, and the fishing community to support engagement with Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner MP ensure that the future of the UK’s distant fishing fleet is both sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders.