On 11 March, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fisheries (APPG) welcomed Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, alongside members of his Cabinet and representatives from the European Union’s Delegation to the United Kingdom, for an exchange on fisheries priorities and cooperation. Held at the historic Fishmongers' Hall in London, the meeting provided an opportunity for a frank and constructive engagement on key issues affecting fishing communities across the UK and EU.
In his opening remarks, Alistair Carmichael MP, Co-Chair of the APPG on Fisheries, outlined the APPG’s work on an Action Plan for UK fishing, which will set out a clear vision for UK fishing, offer a strategic framework for its realisation, and aims to contribute to a coherent, forward-looking approach that situates the sector within broader priorities such as food security. In response, Commissioner Kadis provided an update on the European Ocean Pact, which, across six core pillars, aims to holistically align EU ocean policies, including relating to fisheries, and strengthen collaboration both within the EU and with external partners.
An open exchange followed covering fisheries governance, sustainability, evolving policy frameworks, and the needs of fishing communities, before concluding with a reception. The evening’s discussion underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and cooperation between the UK and EU to address shared fisheries and ocean challenges while supporting resilient coastal communities on both sides.
(Clockwise from top right) Noura Rouissi, Norman Graham, Ralitza Petkova, Costas Kadis, Ioannis Hadjiyiannis, Alistair Carmichael, Andrew Wallace
(Clockwise from top right) Noura Rouissi, Norman Graham, Ralitza Petkova, Costas Kadis, Ioannis Hadjiyiannis, Madelaine Tuininga, Lia ní Aodha, Will Deans, Alistair Carmichael, Andrew Wallace
Commenting on the meeting, APPG Co-Chair Alistair Carmichael said, “As an island nation, fishing is vital to the UK’s ocean economy, supporting livelihoods and regional economies, while providing a sustainable, climate-smart source of nutrition. Though the UK and EU now operate under separate frameworks, our fisheries remain connected. Constructive engagement like this is key to building the shared understanding and respect needed to support sustainable management, safeguard regulatory autonomy, and secure prosperous fishing communities.”
Signposting the need for integrated management, EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis added, “The sustainable management of ocean space is a global necessity – and only by working together, including through strong EU‑UK cooperation, can we ensure that our seas remain healthy, our resources protected, and our coastal communities thrive."
Highlighting the value of the exchange, Andrew Wallace, Fisheries Director at The Fishmongers’ Company, said, “As a neutral, cross-party group, the APPG plays a vital role in Parliament in supporting a sustainable and thriving UK fishing industry. We are proud to facilitate this through our support for the Secretariat and for the Group’s ambitious and progressive initiative to develop an industry Action Plan. We were delighted to host this constructive exchange. Meetings like this demonstrate the positive role the Group can play in strengthening cooperation for sustainable fisheries by providing a forum to discuss priorities and shared challenges, including at an international level."
(L-R) Andrew Wallace, Costas Kadis, Alistair Carmichael (Courtesy of Carlos Jasso for the EU Commission)
(L-R) Will Deans, Madelaine Tuininga, Ralitza Petkova, Ioannis Hadjiyiannis, Costas Kadis, Andrew Wallace, Charlotte Browne, Alistair Carmichael, Norman Graham, Noura Rouissi, Lia ní Aodha (Courtesy of Carlos Jasso for the EU Commission)