#Oceana statement on #UKFisheriesBill

On the release of the UK Fisheries Bill, Oceana has issued the following statement from Lasse Gustavsson, executive director of Oceana Europe: “The UK Fisheries Bill comes amid a growing global movement to protect the oceans. But the reality is that 4 out of 10 fish stocks surrounding the UK are still overfished meaning UK fish supplies are at stake as well as the jobs that depend on healthy seas.

"All eyes are on the UK to show they can manage fishing better and champion stronger ocean conservation. Oceana calculates that the UK has a chance to bring in an extra £319 million for UK GDP and create 5,100 new jobs if they move to sustainable fishing. Let’s not make the Fisheries Bill a missed opportunity to do that.”

Oceana has taken part in the public consultation process of the Fisheries Bill and has advocated for the following to be included:

• A duty to set fishing limits below the maximum sustainable yield exploitation rate (FMSY) with a deadline of 2020.
• A clear duty to deliver effective control, monitoring and enforcement including sanctioning schemes deterrent enough to ensure the sustainable objectives are met and illegal, unreported fishing is prevented and a culture of full compliance is created.
• Clear duties to commit to the following key sustainability principles including the ecosystem-based approach, best available science and the precautionary principle.
• A duty to only provide fishing authorizations to foreign vessels that are sustainable where there is a surplus of allowable catch that would cover the proposed fishing opportunities as required under Article 62(2) and (3) of UNCLOS. And vice versa for all UK flagged vessels accessing waters outside the UK.
• A duty to establish Fish Stock Recovery Areas (or no-take zones) to protect Essential Fish Habitats identified as key spawning and nursery grounds of commercially exploited species.

Oceana’s response to UK Fisheries Bill Public Consultation Process

Oceana Report: More Food, More Jobs and More Money from UK Fisheries

Oceana is the largest international advocacy organization dedicated solely to ocean conservation. Oceana is rebuilding abundant and biodiverse oceans by winning science-based policies in countries that control one third of the world’s wild fish catch. With over 200 victories that stop overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution and killing of threatened species like turtles and sharks, Oceana’s campaigns are delivering results. A restored ocean means that one billion people can enjoy a healthy seafood meal, every day, forever. Together, we can save the oceans and help feed the world. Visit www.eu.oceana.org to learn more.

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