New Fisheries Act welcomed by north-east MP
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The passing of a new law that gives the UK full control over its fishing waters for the first time since 1973 has been welcomed by Banff and Buchan MP David Duguid.
The Fisheries Act 2020 – the first major domestic fisheries legislation in more than 40 years – officially became law on Monday, November 23.
It will enable the UK to control who fishes in UK waters through a new foreign vessel licensing regime and ends the current automatic rights for EU vessels to fish in UK waters.
The Act is underpinned by a commitment to sustainability to ensure healthy seas for future generations of fishermen.
The UK Government will now work with the devolved administrations to develop new fisheries management plans.
The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation said the passing of the law was an “important milestone” towards the UK becoming an independent coastal state.
Mr Duguid said: “I am delighted to see the Fisheries Act receiving Royal Assent after 10 months of scrutiny, debate and revision in parliament.
“I have been directly involved in this process as a local MP for Banff and Buchan, on a Fisheries Bill Committee and more recently as a Scotland Office Minister, and I know that it places the UK on a firm legal footing ahead of the end of the EU Transition Period.
“This Act allows the UK to take back control of our waters for the first time in nearly 40 years.
“It is a major step on the road towards the UK regaining its status as an independent coastal state at the end of 2020.
“I now look forward to the UK and Scottish governments working together to develop new fisheries management plans to support the industry while protecting the marine environment for the future.”
