News

NFFO Calls for Bass Appeals Process

3 February 2017

The Federation has written urgently to Fisheries Minister George Eustice calling for an appeals process for vessels excluded from the bass fishery.

NFFO Concordat Response

3 February 2017

We have been deeply troubled about the way that the fisheries concordat between the four fisheries administrations has evolved since 2012. Despite the significance of the agreement for the many fishing business affected by its provisions, its successive iterations have been developed in secrecy, contravening the normal rules of transparent and open governance. The convoluted language in which the concordat has been deliberately couched, has been defended as creative ambiguity. But on each new version, we have found that, without exception, the concordat has subsequently been interpreted in ways that work to the systematic disadvantage of the UK fishing industry outside the Scotland.

Tony Delahunty appointed to MMO Board

1 February 2017

The NFFO’s President, Tony Delahunty, has been appointed to sit on the Board of the Marine Management Organisation.

NFFO Takes Position on North Sea Plan

26 January 2017

Through its work with the North Sea Advisory Council, the NFFO has been centrally involved in the preparation of NSAC advice in the lead up to the Commission’s proposal for a multi-annual plan for the demersal fisheries in the North Sea. In particular, we have been supportive of the potential flexibility provided by F ranges in setting TACs that are compatible with both MSY objectives and implementation of the landing obligation.

EU Landings Obligation

16 January 2017

The beginning of 2017 and the second year of the progressive implementation of the EU landings obligation, seems like a good point to stand back and assess how things are going and what the outlook is for the future. Fisheries Minister, George Eustice, has signalled that it his wish that the UK post-Brexit, should retain “the principle of a discard ban”. This suggests that the UK will remain fully engaged with the EU on implementing the landings obligation, through to 2019, although post-Brexit there may be opportunities for the UK’s specific arrangements to move in a different direction.

NFFO Fights Back against Appeasement

23 December 2016

The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, which represents fishermen in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, has launched a blistering attack on UK Fisheries Minister George Eustice, after he made quota concessions to appease nationalist pressure from Scotland during the annual quota negotiations in Brussels.

December Council outcomes

15 December 2016

The December Council, as usual, generated a mixed bag of winners and losers. The underlying science reflects a broad continuing trend towards improving stocks; but the legal obligation to achieve maximum sustainable yield for all stocks by 2020 is generating casualties, especially in the Channel and Celtic Sea, where in some cases, cuts of more than third on 2016 quotas have been made. (Celtic Sea Cod -38%, megrim 25%). More casualties can be expected next year and 2019 as the EU adheres to the arbitrary MSY timetable that it has set itself. It is frustration over inflexible policies such as these that has fuelled the UK fishing industry's enthusiasm for Brexit. There is a possibility that next year’s Council could be that last in which TACs and quotas are set in this way.

December Council outcomes

15 December 2016

The December Council, as usual, generated a mixed bag of winners and losers. The underlying science reflects a broad continuing trend towards improving stocks; but the legal obligation to achieve maximum sustainable yield for all stocks by 2020 is generating casualties, especially in the Channel and Celtic Sea, where in some cases, cuts of more than third on 2016 quotas have been made. (Celtic Sea Cod -38%, megrim 25%). More casualties can be expected next year and 2019 as the EU adheres to the arbitrary MSY timetable that it has set itself. It is frustration over inflexible policies such as these that has fuelled the UK fishing industry's enthusiasm for Brexit. There is a possibility that next year’s Council could be that last in which TACs and quotas are set in this way.

Tranche 3 MCZs Must Avoid “Gold Plating” at the Expense of Livelihoods

13 December 2016

The NFFO is warning that the completion of the Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) network in English and Northern Irish offshore waters must not become a book keeper's exercise that slavishly gold plates the network at the expense of livelihoods. This follows a new search for more MCZs by government nature conservation advisers.

December Council

7 December 2016

The December Council remains (for the time being) an important date in the fishing calendar.

Bass: Ban on Gill Net Fisheries “Misguided and Harmful”

29 November 2016

The NFFO has made it clear to Fisheries Minister, George Eustice, that the Commission’s proposal to extend the moratorium on fishing for bass with gill nets should be vigorously opposed.

Brexit Talks with Norwegian Fishing Sector

29 November 2016

The NFFO met recently with a large delegation from the Norwegian Seafood Alliance, which is currently in London on a fact finding visit. The UK’s impending departure from the EU was top of the Norwegian’s list of topics for discussion in London. The Alliance, which includes the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, fish sales organisation, processors and fish farmers, is eager to try understand the changes that Brexit might bring.

UK fishermen’s federations adopt united stance on Brexit

27 November 2016

The UK’s two main representative organisations for commercial fishermen – the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO) – have agreed upon common principles to ensure the best possible deal for coastal communities in the forthcoming Brexit negotiations.

Brexit: Resetting the Fisheries Deal

23 November 2016

The Common Fisheries Policy has been one of the least successful European policies. At its worst, the CFP became world-class exemplar of a glaring disconnect between regulator and regulated. At one time it was judged by the European Court of Auditors to be the single most unsuccessful European Policy, the cost of administration outstripping the value generated by landings.

TV Fisherman Takes Twitter Helm

13 October 2016

Star of Trawlermen Tales to answer questions about life on the waves during National Seafood Week

Chairman’s Report 2016

12 September 2016

The referendum on 23rd June, which decided that UK should leave the EU, represents a seismic change for the UK fishing industry. We are taking the view that there may be risks and pitfalls associated with this monumental change of direction but overall, this is a huge opportunity to reshape the management of our fisheries to the great benefit of our fishing industry and coastal communities. The Common Fisheries Policy has taken us down many blind alleys over the years. Now a new era beckons. This will not be without its own challenges; but the very fact that the fickle and cumbersome European co-decision process will no longer be the arbiter of our fate, is tremendously liberating.

Brexit offers ‘opportunity for radical change’ says UK fisheries minister

9 September 2016

Brexit Takes Centre Stage at Fishing Industry Debate

Annual General Meeting of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations 8th September 2016

15 August 2016

Royal Overseas League, 3 Park Place, St James, London, SW1A 1LR

In the meantime ……

10 August 2016

Brexit will dominate the NFFO's work this summer and for the foreseeable future. But until it is clear what the shape of the post-Brexit world will look like, out fleets will still be subject to the current management rules, most of which are applied or shaped by the CFP.

NFFO Working on Brexit Detail

10 August 2016

Since the referendum on leaving the EU took place on 23rd June, the Federation has been actively involved in work on the post-CFP management regime.

Policy on Brexit

12 July 2016

The NFFO Executive Committee met on 12th July 2016 to discuss the implications of Brexit.

Brexit

24 June 2016

From any perspective, it is clear that the outcome of the EU referendum marks a seismic change for the fishing industry. What that change actually will mean in practice is less easy to predict. On all fronts, including fishing politics, we are entering uncharted territory and turbulent waters, with challenges and perhaps also opportunities.

North Sea Discard Plan for 2017

14 June 2016

North Sea Member States have now submitted their Joint Recommendation for the Discard Plan for 2017/18 to the Commission. The Joint Recommendation will now be transposed into a Delegated Act and all other things being equal, it will be adopted before the end of the year and come into force on 1st January

North Western Waters Discard Plan for 2017

14 June 2016

The North West Waters member states have now submitted their Joint Recommendations to the Commission for a Discard Plan for 2017. This will be adopted as a delegated act and if not challenged will come into force on 1st January 2017,