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Welcome to the APPG on Fisheries stakeholder newsletter. Through regular updates, we aim to keep you informed of policy developments, Parliamentary announcements and sector headlines. We also provide round-ups of current Committee inquiries and fisheries-focused monitoring of the Parliamentary record, Hansard.

Parliament News

UK Fisheries Administrations are calling on fishermen with larger vessels to register with the International Maritime Organisation. This ensures that vessels are licensed to fish outside UK waters following the UK's departure from the EU. Additionally, all skippers and vessel owners are asked to register with the Single Issuing Authority.

Consultation on Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard

The seafood industry has been asked for feedback on the draft standard criteria of the Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard, the next iteration of the Responsible Fishing Scheme. The criteria have been released by Seafish and Global Seafood Assurances, and aim for a globally applicable standard in both welfare and best practice.

New Seafood Innovation Fund Launched Across UK

Launched by Defra and to be delivered by Cefas, the £10m Seafood Innovation Fund plans to incentivise fishermen and engineers to collaborate on sustainable solutions to the challenges facing UK fisheries. Such solutions are expected to include innovative fishing gear, data capture, and streamlining seafood processing.

A National Conversation Around Quota

The APPG has published a blog post explaining the different methods available for allocating fishing opportunities in UK waters. This follows Defra's public consultation asking for evidence on how fishing quota should be divided. The consultation closes later this month - put forward your views here.

Track the Progress of the Fisheries Bill

The proposed Fisheries Bill is set to replace the Common Fisheries Policy following the UK's departure from the EU. The Bill is over halfway through the House of Commons, and is currently awaiting the Report Stage. Track its progress here and read our digest of the Bill on the APPG blog.

Committees

UK Parliamentary Committees consist of a small number of MPs and/or Peers appointed to deal with particular issues. There are several Committee inquiries and reports relevant to the fisheries industry.

Sustainable Development Goals Inquiry
The Environmental Audit Committee held a one-off evidence session concerning the UK's Voluntary National Review of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 14 concerns our marine environment.

Scrutiny of the Fisheries Bill Inquiry
The Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee launched a short inquiry on the proposed scope, provisions and powers in the Fisheries Bill. Their report is available and is awaiting government response.

Sustainable Seas Inquiry
The Environmental Audit Committee launched an inquiry examining how to protect marine life and how the Government can create a more sustainable blue economy. Their report is available and has received government response.

EU Landing Obligation Inquiry
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee's inquiry concluded that the UK is 'unprepared for new fisheries conservation rules.' The government has responded to that report and the Sub-Committee's follow up report was published in July. 

No-Deal Preparations: Energy and Environment
The EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee is examining the UK’s preparation for a no-deal Brexit. The investigation is ongoing and includes consideration of how a no-deal Brexit will impact fishing rights in both the UK and EU waters.

Fisheries News

A round-up of the latest UK-relevant fishing news from a variety of sources.

High Economic Performance for EU Fishing Fleet in Latest Report
The 2019 annual report from the European Commission gave a net profit of €1.3 billion for 2017. Reasons cited included strong fish prices and low fuel costs.

Atlantic 'Mackerel War' Could Affect Future of Scottish Fishermen
Iceland and Greenland have decided to increase their catch of Atlantic mackerel, contrary to ICES advice. This is likely to affect other stock users, such as Scotland.

Concerns over Control of National Waters Following Brexit
A leaked government memo has raised concerns over Britain's capacity to control access of foreign vessels within the country's 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone.

UK Seafood Retail Prices Beginning to Fall
Although the volume of seafood sold in the UK remains stable, prices are beginning to drop. Prices of shrimp, haddock, mackerel and seabass are driving the decline.

FAO to Host International Symposium on Fisheries Sustainability
Taking place in Rome in November, the symposium aims to identify pathways to strengthen the science and policy interface in fisheries across the globe.

European Commission to Host Seminar on Fisheries Science
The EC is holding its annual seminar on the future of fisheries science and research in September. The event will cover research priorities for fisheries across Europe.

Seafish to Host Market Insight Seminar on UK Seafood
Seafish will be holding a free market insight seminar at Billingsgate Fish Market in London on 26 September, publicising seafood trends and the latest market research.

For more information, contact the APPG on Fisheries Secretariat

Katrina Ryan, Sara Mynott, Jacob Ashton and Rebecca Kaye
secretariat@fisheriesappg.org
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