Fisheries and the marine environment
Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee
Open
Inquiry
Opened: 23 Jan 2025
Parliament page
As it strives to deliver its energy, environmental and growth commitments, balancing the pressures on the marine environment will be a challenge for the Government. Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the UK takes part in several different international fisheries negotiations as an independent coastal state to agree total …
Read more
7
Recommendations
20
Conclusions
1
Report
1
Oral session
21
Letters
2
Events
Activity timeline 25 events
24 Apr
2026
2026
Report published
14 Apr
2026
2026
10 Mar
2026
2026
3 Mar
2026
2026
3 Mar
2026
2026
3 Mar
2026
2026
3 Mar
2026
2026
3 Mar
2026
2026
13 Feb
2026
2026
13 Feb
2026
2026
13 Feb
2026
2026
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
28 Jan 2026
View on parliament.uk
EFRA Committee
Colin Faulkner · Seafish
Michelle Willis · Marine Management Organisation
Olivia Thomas · The Crown Estate
Reports 1 report · click to expand
| Title | HC No. | Published | Items | Response |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Report – Resetting the relationship with fishing communities | HC 680 | 24 Apr 2026 | 27 | Pending |
Recommendations & Conclusions
27 results
1
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
While we welcome the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, the government has not clearly set...
While we welcome the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, the government has not clearly set out its rationale for committing £360 million over 12 years. The timeframe aligns with revised reciprocal access arrangements between the UK and EU, but it …
Read more
2
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
The government should provide this Committee with the analysis supporting the £360 million funding level,...
The government should provide this Committee with the analysis supporting the £360 million funding level, the 12-year duration and whatever the profile of this spending is expected to be over that period, including the reasons for establishing a new scheme …
Read more
3
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
The government clearly recognises the strong relationship between fishing activity and coastal community wellbeing.
The government clearly recognises the strong relationship between fishing activity and coastal community wellbeing. Evidence shows that challenges such as inadequate port infrastructure and limited skills and training pathways require targeted support to sustain active fishing communities. The Fund’s priorities …
Read more
4
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Priority should be given to projects driven by active fishing communities during the Fund’s 12...
Priority should be given to projects driven by active fishing communities during the Fund’s 12 years of operation. This principle should be embedded in any expanded delivery model or in any new scheme developed, with 26 clear and measurable criteria …
Read more
5
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
No Parliament can bind its successor and therefore front-loading the 12-year investment would better support...
No Parliament can bind its successor and therefore front-loading the 12-year investment would better support ambitious, multi-year projects and deliver early benefits. Current plans for the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund provide £165 million up to 2030–31, yet England’s first-year …
Read more
6
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
In response to this report, the government should set out the year-by-year allocation of the...
In response to this report, the government should set out the year-by-year allocation of the budget in England for the next four years and clarify how funding will be provided to the devolved administrations through the block grant, including whether …
Read more
7
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
We welcome the scale of engagement carried out in developing the Fund and note clear...
We welcome the scale of engagement carried out in developing the Fund and note clear evidence that stakeholder views have informed its early design, such as the introduction of competitive rounds in the first year of the fund. However, there …
Read more
8
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
From year two onward, delivery of the Fund will not be limited to the Fisheries...
From year two onward, delivery of the Fund will not be limited to the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme and will incorporate a broader range of priorities such as community projects which are potentially beyond the remit of what the current …
Read more
9
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Industry engagement should continue at a consistent level in the development of the Fund from...
Industry engagement should continue at a consistent level in the development of the Fund from year two onwards and be expanded to include additional fisheries groups and representatives from Cornwall. In response to this report, the government should set out …
Read more
10
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
The allocation of the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund through the Barnett formula is inconsistent...
The allocation of the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund through the Barnett formula is inconsistent with model preferred by industry stakeholders in all parts of the United Kingdom. We are concerned that it does not reflect the relative scale, distribution …
Read more
11
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
It is not credible for any devolved administration to demand devolution of a scheme and...
It is not credible for any devolved administration to demand devolution of a scheme and then to complain about the financial consequences of them being given what they asked for. It is difficult not to see this as a demand …
Read more
12
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Going forward, the UK Government should work collaboratively with the devolved administrations on the design...
Going forward, the UK Government should work collaboratively with the devolved administrations on the design and allocation of the Fund to ensure consistency and fairness across the sector for the allocations in year two. Seafish should be used to support …
Read more
13
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Trust between government and the fishing industry has been damaged by successive administrations.
Trust between government and the fishing industry has been damaged by successive administrations. Rebuilding that trust is essential if the sector is to deliver its full economic potential for the individuals and communities it supports. Fishers are calling for a …
Read more
14
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Defra should require all officials working on fisheries policy, funding schemes and regulatory design to...
Defra should require all officials working on fisheries policy, funding schemes and regulatory design to undertake regular, in-person engagement at ports and with those operating active fishing vessels. This programme should mirror the department’s existing initiative 28 to place civil …
Read more
15
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
We welcome Defra’s trials of regional seafood planning in England, but more benefits will arise...
We welcome Defra’s trials of regional seafood planning in England, but more benefits will arise if the scope and participation of the trials are broadened to better capture the full range of perspectives from fishing communities and the wider seafood …
Read more
16
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Defra should establish a UK-wide network of Regional Fisheries Management Forums, comprising of fishers, marine...
Defra should establish a UK-wide network of Regional Fisheries Management Forums, comprising of fishers, marine scientists and environmental organisations. These forums should meet at least three times a year, with minutes published within 20 working days, and be given a …
Read more
17
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Communication and engagement with the fishing industry on the outcomes of the annual UK–EU consultations...
Communication and engagement with the fishing industry on the outcomes of the annual UK–EU consultations for 2026 regarding changes to technical measures were inadequate, with unclear messaging on implementation timelines and confusion even among delivery bodies. This has left industry …
Read more
18
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
In response to this report, Defra should provide the Committee with a clear written account...
In response to this report, Defra should provide the Committee with a clear written account of its engagement with the fishing industry following the release of the December 2025 UK–EU fisheries written record. This should set out the dates and …
Read more
19
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Those who are regulated need clear visibility of how that regulation is being enforced, so...
Those who are regulated need clear visibility of how that regulation is being enforced, so it is concerning that the MMO no longer routinely publishes its enforcement data in its annual reports, despite continuing to collect it. While we welcome …
Read more
20
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
In the interests of transparency, the MMO must include inspection rates and enforcement outcomes in...
In the interests of transparency, the MMO must include inspection rates and enforcement outcomes in its annual reports beginning with the 2025–26 report. In response to this Report, it should also retrospectively publish inspection data and outcomes for the previous …
Read more
21
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
There is growing spatial conflict between fisheries, offshore energy, conservation and other marine users, yet...
There is growing spatial conflict between fisheries, offshore energy, conservation and other marine users, yet current governance arrangements still lack a coherent “shore-to-sea” approach. Defra’s Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme (MSPri) remains opaque and underused, The Crown Estate’s Marine Delivery Routemap …
Read more
22
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
In response to this report, the government should confirm its commitment to development of a...
In response to this report, the government should confirm its commitment to development of a ‘Sea Use Framework’. It should set out a clear timetable for developing such a Framework, which should follow a similar structure and methodology to the …
Read more
23
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Spatial squeeze poses significant and growing challenges, with an increasing number of sectors competing for...
Spatial squeeze poses significant and growing challenges, with an increasing number of sectors competing for limited marine space. Although initiatives such as the MSPri programme are intended to inform cross- departmental policy and planning, the absence of any reference to …
Read more
24
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Defra should introduce an annual reporting process which details the use of the Marine Spatial...
Defra should introduce an annual reporting process which details the use of the Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme (MSPri). The first report, covering activity during 2025–26, should be published within six months of the publication of this Report. Thereafter, annual MSPri …
Read more
25
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Defra should work with DESNZ to publish, within six months of the government response to...
Defra should work with DESNZ to publish, within six months of the government response to this Report, an addendum to the North Sea Future Plan that explicitly sets out how fishing interests and marine environmental protections are assessed and incorporated …
Read more
26
Conclusion
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
Fragmented responsibilities and siloed decision-making continue to undermine coherent marine management.
Fragmented responsibilities and siloed decision-making continue to undermine coherent marine management. Confusion over the North Sea Future Plan and conflicting policy signals experienced by fishers demonstrate that existing coordination structures are not delivering consistent cross-government direction. Although mechanisms such as …
Read more
27
Recommendation
7th Report – Resetting the relatio…
To ensure coherent cross-government leadership of the proposed Sea Use Framework by the end of...
To ensure coherent cross-government leadership of the proposed Sea Use Framework by the end of 2026, the government should establish a ministerial board, to oversee the coordination of government policy on the use of UK waters. This ministerial board would …
Read more
Correspondence 21 letters
14 Apr 2026
Correspondence from the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs relating to the publication of a statutory report on the Joint Fisheries Statement, dated 24 March 2026
Parliament page
10 Mar 2026
Correspondence from Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, following the fisheries evidence session on 28 January, dated 2 March 2026
Parliament page
3 Mar 2026
Correspondence from Scottish Fishermen's Federation relating to skilled workers visas, dated 20 February 2026
Parliament page
3 Mar 2026
Correspondence from the Marine Management Organisation following the evidence session on Fisheries and the Marine Environment on 28 January, dated 25 February 2026
Parliament page
3 Mar 2026
Correspondence from The Crown Estate following the evidence session on Fisheries and the Marine Environment on 28 January, dated 23 February 2026
Parliament page
3 Mar 2026
Correspondence from Seafish following the evidence session on Fisheries and the Marine Environment on 28 January, dated 23 February 2026
Parliament page
3 Mar 2026
Correspondence from National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations relating to skilled workers visas, dated 20 February 2026
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence to Mike Cohen, Chief Executive, National Federation of Fisherman’s Organisations, on any implications that the planned changes to Skilled Workers visas could have on the industry, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence received from South Western Fish Producer Organisation Ltd requesting the EFRA Committee’s Scrutiny of Defra’s Oversight of Seafish and Recent unconsulted Changes to Industry-Critical Functions, dated 21 January.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence to Dame Angela Eagle MP requesting additional information following the evidence session held on 28 January with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), The Crown Estate and Seafish, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence to Michelle Willis, Interim CEO, Marine Management Organisation requesting additional information following the evidence session held on 28 January, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence to Colin Faulkner, CEO, Seafish requesting further details following the evidence session held on 28 January, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence to Olivia Thomas, Head of Marine Planning, The Crown Estate, requesting additional information following the evidence session held on 28 January, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence to Elspeth Macdonald, CEO, Scottish Fishers Federation, on any implications that the planned changes to Skilled Workers visas could have on the industry, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Juliette Hatchman, Chief Executive, South Western Fish Producer Organisation Ltd, on any implications that the planned changes to Skilled Workers visas could have on the industry, dated 11 February.
Parliament page
13 Feb 2026
Correspondence from South Western Fish Producer organisation regarding UK–EU fisheries negotiations & industry engagement, dated 27 January 2026
Parliament page
28 Jan 2026
Correspondence from South Western Fish Producer organisation regarding the request for EFRA Committee Scrutiny of Defra’s Oversight of Seafish and Recent Unconsulted Changes to Industry- Critical Functions, dated 21 January 2026
Parliament page
6 Jan 2026
Correspondence from Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Defra, regarding mackerel sharing agreement, dated 16 December 2025
Parliament page
16 Dec 2025
Correspondence from Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Defra, regarding the conclusion of annual negotiations for 2026 fishing opportunities, dated 10 December 2025
Parliament page
11 Nov 2025
Correspondence from Dame Angela Eagle, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs regarding the United Kingdom approach for 2025 annual fisheries negotiations, dated 4 November 2025
Parliament page
25 Mar 2025
Correspondence from the Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, relating to annual fisheries negotiations for 2025, dated 18 March 2025
Parliament page