Work to begin on UK fishing policy

Work on a UK fisheries policy to replace EU quotas and regulations after Brexit will begin before the end of the year, Scottish fishing industry leaders have revealed following talks with UK and Scottish minister.

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) has held talks with both governments to demand that control of the UK’S fishing grounds is not traded away during Brexit talks.

SFF chief executive Bertie Armstrong claimed the value of the UK fishing industry could double after Brexit once European fishing vessels are stopped from operating in the UK’S offshore exclusive economic zone. Of the more than £800m worth of fish caught in UK waters annually, roughly half is landed by foreign fleets.

Mr Armstrong said Brexit presented a “potentially huge advantage” for the fishing industry following meetings with UK Environment Secretary Andrea Leadsom and the Scottish Brexit minister Michael Russell yesterday.