Following the UK referendum yesterday, with a narrow majority in favour of leaving the European Union, the NFFO has stated that its role has always been to secure the best deal for fishermen from England, Wales; and Northern Ireland and this outcome does not change this fundamental focus of the organisation.
‘Is clear that the outcome of the EU referendum marks a seismic change for the fishing industry and the NFFO will now seek to play a leading role in negotiating the new bilateral and trilateral arrangements that will be required following the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union,’ commented NFFO chief executive Barrie Deas.
‘This will mean working with all involved to ensure British fishermen are represented at the highest level of talks on fisheries management and receive the most favourable deal possible. We expect that in time, the UK will enter an annual bilateral agreement with the EU for shared stocks in a similar pattern to the current EU/Norway annual agreement to make fishing arrangements on matters such as the Total Allowable Catch of joint stocks, management plans and shares.’
“Over the last few decades British fishermen have worked successfully to improve the sustainability of their fishing methods and the health of stocks in the waters they fish. The decision to leave the EU will not change their dedication to sustainable fishing. Our main priority has always been supporting British fishermen in running environmentally and economically sustainable businesses. The result of the EU referendum does not change that and we are now looking forward to playing an integral role in the upcoming negotiations on the future of fishing for this country,’ he said.
Commenting on the referendum vote, Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said that the result brings both opportunities and challenges for the fishing industry.
‘The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation will be doing everything in its power to ensure that the best possible deal is achieved for fishing during the exit negotiations,’ he said.
‘To aid this process, it is vital that we have clarity from both the UK and Scottish Governments on their future intentions for fishing. Our national governments must work closely with the industry over the coming months and years to ensure that the right framework is put in place to deliver a prosperous future.’
