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On January 8, 2021, fishing creels are spotted near Oban, Scotland. Russell Cheyne/File Photo/REUTERS (Reuters) – LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) – The post-Brexit trade deal reached with the European Union has “sold out” Britain’s fisheries, according to the leader of an industry organisation, who urged the government to do more for the sector when the so-called adjustment period expires in 2026. One of the key catalysts for Brexit was regaining “control” of Britain’s fishing waters, with the industry serving as a poster child for many advocates of the country’s exit from the EU during the 2016 referendum and beyond. The National Federation of Fishermen’s Organizations’ chief executive, Barrie Deas, claimed the government’s pledges and commitments made before signing a trade deal with the bloc late last year had been broken. “It’s really difficult to express how abrupt the fishing industry’s decline was,” Deas told reporters. “For the past few years, the flags flying above our vessels have featured a message that said “fishing no sell out,” which summed up our anxieties perfectly. Because of what has happened, those flags now appear to be both politically astute and foresighted.” He said fish limits had been changed “on the fringes,” that the EU pact had encouraged other countries like Norway, and that producers of some live shellfish had had serious issues selling to the bloc. “In that sense, it’s a tale of misery,” he said, adding that the COVID-19 outbreak has also harmed the industry, making it more difficult to measure the impact. The government praised what it called a “fantastic deal” on fisheries with the EU, claiming that Britain would eventually be able to benefit from its status as a “autonomous coastal state.” Under the terms of the agreement, Britain agreed to a five-year adjustment period during which the bloc’s fishing rights in British waters will be gradually decreased. Annual talks to define the terms of access will begin in 2026. In 2026, Deas believes the government must demonstrate that it can do more for the industry. “One of the great problems is what happens beyond 2026, and it’s evident that the EU is quietly confident in its ability to prevent the UK from properly exerting its rights,” he said. Elizabeth Piper contributed reporting, and Emelia Sithole-Matarise edited the piece. The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles are our standards./nRead More

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