ClientEarth Campaign

 

I agree that our seas must be protected so that they can thrive again. Fishing communities have been let down for too long, taken for granted under the Conservatives and left to struggle in the wake of their botched Brexit deal. With the transition period ending in 2026, we must ensure that future negotiations on fish stocks are transparent, democratic, and guided by scientific evidence. 

I recently led a parliamentary debate on the fishing industry. A copy of which can be found here.

My Liberal Democrat parliamentary colleagues and I have consistently urged that catches be set according to the best available science and remain committed to rebuilding depleted fish stocks.  

Greater transparency in fisheries management is also essential. We support initiatives such as the Global Charter for Fisheries Transparency, without whom we would not have the information about fishing activities needed to ensure practises are both sustainable and legal, to ensure proper regulation of activities in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and for a regionalised and decentralised fisheries management system, giving fishers, scientists, and conservationists a more effective say in how our waters are protected and managed. 

I will continue to fight for sustainable, science-led fisheries management, ensuring that our seas and fishing communities can thrive together.