A government report on the future of the UK fishing industry has said the industry can be profitable and sustainable in the long term, provided it modernises to meet global competition.
According to UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw, the Strategy Unit report concludes that UK fisheries management should be further modernised and be more decentralised and flexible. The report also says the government should clearly define its economic, social, environmental and safety goals for the fishing industry and fishing communities.
“Our aim is for the fisheries departments in the UK to work closely in partnership with each other, and in collaboration with the industry and other stakeholders, to work up practicable and deliverable solutions, building on the proposals and recommendations in the report,” Bradshaw said.
Fishing industries across Europe are under threat as total allowable catches of many fish species are reduced as a result of dwindling fish stocks.
