UK Fisheries - Transformational change by design

A new report commissioned by Esmée to provide an independent view on the implications of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement on UK fisheries.

This report summarises the fisheries aspects of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and discusses:

  • The cumulative effects of the Agreement, the changes arising from the UK becoming a ‘third country’ when exporting to the EU, and the impacts on the UK fishing industry of COVID-19.
  • How this evolving picture relates to the aims, goals and priorities of the Foundation in broad terms and the opportunities and risks it represents to the Foundation’s strategy
  • Possible interventions that would further the Foundation’s objectives in relation to fisheries, the marine environment more generally, a fairer society and stronger communities.
View or download the full report below. You can also read a summary here.

Why we commissioned the report

At Esmée, we aim to improve our natural world, secure a fairer future and strengthen the bonds in communities in the UK. The changes as a result of Brexit and the recently agreed EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement will present risks and opportunities to our impact goals including:

  • UK is seen as a global leader in the management of marine resources  
  • Marine biodiversity is restored at scale and enjoyed by more people
  • Seafood consumed in the UK comes from well-managed stocks
  • Existing traditional coastal communities are sustained and the economy of small fishing communities is revived
  • The status of marine wildlife populations is understood, effectively monitored and safeguards are in place to allow recovery

Who is it for?

The report was commissioned to provide independent and expert advice and to inform Esmée’s work. We also hope that it will be of use for our partners and others with an interest the sustainability of fisheries in the UK.

What next?

We are sharing the report with our partners and will be considering opportunities to take forward the recommendations over the next 12 months.

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