"This week Parliament began its debate of the landmark Fisheries Bill, a bill which will provide the legal framework for the UK to operate as an independent coastal state. It will create a common approach to fisheries management between the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the devolved administrations. Added to which it confers extra powers to the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) to help improve regulation of fishing and the marine environment.
In short, for the first time in forty years, we have the opportunity to shape and direct our fisheries policy. This legislation is balanced between economic development, sustainability and social progression. Each equally weighted it has the potential to make a significant difference to the future of the fishing industry in the UK especially here in South Devon.
The fishing sector is estimated to contribute over £1.3bn to the UK’s economy and creates over 25,000 jobs. This may pale in comparison to other sectors such as agriculture, but we should not fail to recognise the opportunity potential that has been afforded to this sector.
Here in South Devon, we are home to sizeable and significant fishing communities in Brixham, Dartmouth and Salcombe. Brixham alone has seen record levels of catch making it the most valuable port in England. The growing size of our aquaculture businesses and the positive impact that this has on our local economy should all be welcomed.
I was pleased to be able to speak up for our coastal communities and the men and women who work so hard to make it all happen. But I am also aware that to make a success of our fishing sector and to continue to outperform the Cornish we need cold hard cash to invest in our infrastructure and to help drive demand.
When the Prime Minister visited Brixham last year, he was shown detailed plans as to how the port could be developed. Since Brixham is now at full capacity I would argue that that development is now more necessary than ever. Helping expand the port would not only increase capacity but enhance the local economy creating new jobs and opportunities. The same is in Dartmouth where the proposed plans of a new slipway would have significant benefits for the local fishermen.
Infrastructure matters and I look forward to bringing the Fishing Minister, Victoria Prentis MP, to visit our fishing related businesses in the coming months. Especially so that we together can make the case for great support for South Devon’s fishing community.
All three of our coastal town’s fishing communities have sought to find new methods of distribution over lockdown. Those that exported further afield have had to look closer to home and as a result, have come up with innovative ways to make people aware of the high standard and quality of our fish and shellfish. We need to harness this work and develop a national campaign that encourages people to eat more British seafood. Such a campaign would help bolster a sector that has been so adversely impacted by Covid and would offer the chance for us to create long term demand.
This bill does a great deal of good for the fishing sector and I am pleased to be able to support such an essential part of South Devon’s economy."