The European Commission says it is finalising an assessment on the compliance of the UK ban on fishing sandeel in the North Sea with the TCA
The European Commission has confirmed that it is assessing the situation with the United Kingdom over the closure of the sandeel fishing in UK waters of the North Sea by both the Westminster Parliament and the Scottish Government.
EU Member States, Denmark and Sweden had lodged a complaint with the Commission citing that the closure is in contravention of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) made between the two blocs in the light of Brexit. The closure took effect on 26 March last, just days before the sandeel fishery season was about to start on 01 April. The UK announced the ban at the end of January 2024, but Danish industry leaders and politicians remain adamant that the ban is contrary to the TCA.
The UK ban which affects fishing for sandeel in Area 4 of the North Sea is designed to protect the valuable forage fish for which is an important food source for seabirds such as the puffin, and for other fish, such as haddock.
On announcing the ban, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon said:
“Sandeel are a vital part of our marine ecosystem and a critical component of the food chain in the North Atlantic.
“It is critical that we manage our marine environment in a such a way as to ensure its sustainable use, protecting biodiversity and ensuring healthy functioning ecosystems.
“Prohibiting all vessels from fishing for sandeel in Scottish waters will help provide long term sustainability and benefits not just for sandeel but also for seabirds, marine mammals and other fish species.
“This decision reflects overwhelming support for our proposals, the scientific evidence base and our longstanding position not to support fishing for sandeel as set out in Scotland’s Future Fisheries Management Strategy.”
The UK Fisheries Minister, Mark Spencer echoed those words by saying: “By not allowing the UK commercial fishing of sandeels, we can better protect and enhance the lives of vulnerable seabirds and marine mammals that play such a crucial part in our marine ecosystems.
Sandeels are an important component in the food chain for some of our most treasured species, such as puffins, and the decision to not allow sandeel fishing will help benefit our seabird populations.”
Up-until the ban, commercial fishing for sandeel was currently carried out entirely by European vessels. In recognition of the importance of the species to marine biodiversity, no fishing quota has been allocated to UK vessels since 2021.
Danish MEP Asger Christensen was one of the Danish voices strongly opposed to the UK’s decision believing that the ban could end the UK facing Court.
He said, “The British decision to close sandeel fishing in British waters is under all criticism and in direct conflict with the Brexit agreement. They should not be allowed to make fun of us for their own money. That’s why we have to go all out and pursue the legal path, so that we can show the British that they don’t get away with this kind of thing. We’ve been too nice for too long. It ends now, says.
The Fishing Daily contacted the European Commission regarding the situation where a spokesperson told us the issue was being examined. They said:
“The Commission took note of the announcement by the UK of a full closure of the sandeel fishery in English and Scottish waters. It notified the Commission on 8 February. We are currently finalising our assessment of the compliance of these measures with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement and remain in close contact with our Member States, particularly Denmark and Sweden.”