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Welcome to the APPG on Fisheries 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.
Contents
Use the links below to rapidly navigate around the newsletter.

Parliament and Government News | Fisheries News | Hansard Monitoring
There is still time to sign up for our Fisheries and Protected Areas event next week, which will examine how constructive relationships can be formed between the fishing industry and those establishing and enforcing marine protected areas. A range of experienced speakers will discuss how MPAs and other protective measures can be designed and operated in ways that support sustainable fishing efforts. The event is free to attend and will take place online on Tuesday 22 February at 10am. 
 
Event sign-up

Parliament and Government News
Bilateral Talks between the UK and Faroes Conclude

An agreement on 2022 fishing opportunities between the UK and the Faroe Islands was agreed last week, marking the start of a new bilateral fisheries arrangement between the two governments. The deal is estimated to be worth over £5 million to each nation and includes exchanges in cod, haddock, and saithe quota.
Wales Becomes First Nation in UK to Require VMS on All Commercial Fishing Vessels

As of 15 February, all licensed commercial fishing boats in Wales, including those under 12m, must be fitted with a Vessel Monitoring System. It is hoped that the knowledge gained from the devices will help to support the sustainable management of Welsh fisheries and the marine environment.
Scottish MP to Meet with Defra Secretary of State Regarding Foreign Gill-Netter Concerns

Alistair Carmichael, MP for Orkney and Shetland, has secured a meeting with the Rt Hon George Eustice MP to discuss issues with foreign gill-netters around Shetland. Concerns have been raised regarding interactions with local vessels and the sustainability of the practice.
MP's Letter Highlights Concerns Over Small-Scale Fishers' Mental Health

EFRA Committee Member, Barry Gardiner MP, has written to the Fisheries Minister voicing his concerns that new fisheries regulations including plans for CatchApp, the roll-out of
I-VMS, and MCA interventions are having a "damaging and cumulative" impact on fishers' mental health.

Fisheries News
A round-up of the latest UK-relevant fishing news from a variety of sources.
 
UK Women in Fisheries Network Launched With Support from Seafarers' Charity
Women working across all sectors of the UK's fishing industry are invited to join the new organisation which will offer training, events, resources, mentoring, and support.

New Report Published on the Development of English Fisheries Management Plans
The report from the New Economics Foundation offers recommendations as to how future wild capture shellfishery management should be designed and resourced.

Consultation Launched on Permanence of Skye Marine Protected Area 
The MPA was first designated in 2021 to protect the critically-endangered flapper skate. Views on making the protections permanent should be submitted by 26 April.

Seafish Blog Champions Apprenticeships Across the Seafood Industry
In the new post, the seafood industry public body addresses frequently asked questions and offers an overview of how apprenticeships can support businesses.

Report Published on 2021 Northern Ireland Small Port Infrastructure Survey Data
It is hoped that the report will act as a reference tool, helping to prioritise future funding and development requirements for the nation's seafood sector.

Fishers in Sussex Invited to Participate in Seabed Sedimentation Survey
Local fishers are being asked to complete a short online survey on sediment change and its observed effects, to support the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project. 

Hansard Monitoring
Hansard is the official record of debates, votes and ministerial statements in Parliament. Our newsletters gather together any debates or questions concerning fisheries that have recently taken place.
 

Question | Defra | 10 Feb | Protection of North Sea sandeels

Question | Defra | 10 Feb | Prohibition of bottom towed gear in offshore MPAs

Question | Defra | 7 Feb | Supertrawlers and fly shooting in MPAs

Question | Defra | 4 Feb | Workplan publication - bottom trawling restrictions in MPAs

Question | Defra | 4 Feb | Workplan delays - bottom trawling restrictions in MPAs

Question | Defra | 4 Feb | Catch limits on non-quota species for fly shooting

Question | Defra | 4 Feb | Fly shooting environmental impact assessment

Debate | Holyrood | 3 Feb | Oyster restoration and Scottish coastal communities

Debate | Holyrood | 3 Feb | Supporting increased catch and processing capacity

Question | Holyrood | 2 Feb | Scotland and 2022 tri-lateral catch limits

Debate | Commons | 2 Feb | Investment in Scottish coastal communities
For more information, contact the APPG on Fisheries Secretariat

Jacob Ashton & Katrina Ryan
secretariat@fisheriesappg.org
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The All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group
Office of Sheryll Murray MP
Houses of Parliament
Westminster
London SW1A 0AA

secretariat@fisheriesappg.org

@FisheriesAPPG

Please note, The All Party Parliamentary Fisheries Group is not responsible for the content of external websites.

This is not an official publication of the House of Commons or the House of Lords. It has not been approved by either House or its committees. All-Party Parliamentary Groups are informal groups of Members of both Houses with a common interest in particular issues.