Sir Chris asks written question of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs regarding fishing vessels and Territorial Waters.
Christopher Chope Conservative, Christchurch
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to ban supertrawlers from UK waters; and if he will make a statement.
Victoria Prentis The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
We are reviewing our policy on access for supertrawlers. This review will be driven by evidence. We will need to consider how any measures fit with our obligations under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU and avoid taking any action against individual vessels which could be construed as discriminatory.
Under the Fisheries Act 2020, vessels permitted to fish in UK waters will have to be licensed and comply with UK rules and regulations including those on sustainability. Licence conditions set by UK Sea Fisheries Authorities will apply to both UK and foreign vessels alike.
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