The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Fisheries is launching a Call for Evidence from the fishing industry and related stakeholders on their priorities for future fishing arrangements with the EU.
With the review of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement approaching, and the Adjustment Period on fisheries ending in 2026, the APPG on Fisheries is gathering evidence on priorities for future UK-EU arrangements on fisheries.
As part of this, we are now launching a Call for Evidence from the fishing industry and related stakeholders, on their priorities for the future.
This Call for Evidence will improve our understanding of industry needs and help steer our work within Parliament in support of a sustainable and thriving UK fishing and seafood industry.
Background:
On leaving the EU, the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) became the governing framework between the EU and UK, including for fisheries, replacing the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Covering key areas such as fishing opportunities, access and trade, the TCA provides for a transitional arrangement, covering a five and a half year Adjustment Period to June 2026 for implementation of agreed measures. The agreement also makes detailed provision for governance, remedial measures, annual fishing agreements, transfer of fishing opportunities (swaps), and cooperation on management, science and conservation.
Under the TCA, which saw a gradual (albeit concentrated) transfer of quota to the UK from the EU, following the end of the Adjustment Period in 2026, the relative quota shares of both parties will remain stable, and annual negotiations will continue with this new baseline, unless amended by agreement. Concerning access, the TCA provides for full access to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of the other party, alongside access to the 6-12nm territorial zone of the English and Bristol Channels (ICES divisions 4c and 7d-g), based on historical activity and subject to licence. After June 2026, the level and conditions of access will be determined annually, subject to agreement on quota shares. Multi-annual agreements are possible.
Following the Adjustment Period, the UK could theoretically assert control over more of its waters or change the allocation key for quotas. However, the TCA allows both sides to take action if it is deemed that the other side is substantially changing the operating arrangements. For instance, if the UK took a decision to remove access for EU vessels from UK waters, the EU could take reciprocal measures, by imposing tariff- or non-tariff barriers, or removing UK fishing access to EU waters. Currently, the TCA provides for tariff-free export of seafood into the EU, albeit with significant administrative requirements.
In addition, the fisheries section of the TCA is tied to other sections of the agreement: cancellation of the fisheries agreement would also terminate the trade, aviation and road transport sections of the deal. On top of this, the expiry of the agreement on energy cooperation and the end of the Adjustment Period on fisheries coincide, meaning an agreement on energy could in theory be contingent on an agreement on fisheries. More recently fisheries have been linked to an agreement on defence.
That said, there are leverage points that the UK could use towards securing a more balanced version of the existing agreement with respect to UK fisheries – notably relating to access, and rebalancing allocation keys. The TCA received a less than positive response from the UK’s fishing industry for: failing to live up to Government promises, quota gains that fell short of expectations, and continued access for EU vessels to UK waters, among other grievances.
With this in mind, and the review of the TCA approaching, the APPG on Fisheries is keen to hear the priorities of a broad range of fisheries stakeholders with respect to future fisheries arrangements with the EU. Further information on the TCA’s fisheries provisions can be found in this APPG Briefing here.
““The fishing industry is part of the fabric of our coasts and islands. The future of this industry will depend on a future fisheries deal with the EU that can support a viable and prosperous fishing industry. This must be a priority for the Government. We know that it is for our European counterparts, and we know that our counterparts are clear on their industry’s priorities. With this in mind, the APPG on Fisheries are seeking views of our industry on future arrangements that can support the UK’s fishing industry in the long-term.” ”
““We are entering a critical time in EU negotiations. Fisheries provide livelihoods around the coast of this nation – not just at sea, but on land in processing and retail. This sector also provides, and has the potential to provide nutritious food for the nation’s population. The more information we have going into these negotiations the better served the interests of our fishing industry and wider seafood sector, in all its diversity, will be.””
Questions for respondents:
We are particularly keen to hear from voices from across the spectrum of the fishing industry and wider seafood sector on the following questions:
What sector do you work in? Please describe the nature of your operations.
How have post-Brexit arrangements relating to fisheries changed your operations?
What are your priorities for future fisheries arrangements between the UK and EU?
What changes would you like to see to secure your livelihood into the future?
Do you have any additional comments?
The Call for Evidence is being administered by the APPG’s Secretariat. This information will be collated and used in the development of a briefing for APPG Members. All responses will be anonymised.
Submissions to the Call for Evidence can be made to: secretariat@fisheriesappg.org
The Call for Evidence will remain open until Friday 9 May, 2025.