Sustainable fishing and the landing obligation: Lords to question Minister
On Wednesday 5 June, the House of Lords EU Energy and Environment Sub-Committee will question the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food as part of its ongoing inquiry into the implementation of the EU landing obligation.
The Committee will ask the Minister about the number of exemptions to the landing obligation that have been agreed, which will make it easier for fishers to comply but reduce the impact the legislation can have on discarding. The Committee are also likely to press the Minister on how the Government is ensuring that the rules are complied with,and ask whether a lack of compliance (coupled with the various exemptions) could result in harm to fish stocks through overfishing.
The evidence session will begin at 10:30am in Committee room 2 of the House of Lords. The Committee will question:
- Robert Goodwill MP, Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food
Questions likely to be covered during the session include:
- How successful has the landing obligation been since it came into force on 1 January?
- Do you believe that the current level of exemptions to the landing obligation are in line with the original objectives of the legislation?
- To what extent do you believe a desire to avoid choke risks has resulted, or could result in, fishing taking place in excess of scientifically-recommended levels?
- Are you confident that UK fishers are complying with the landing obligation?
- Do you believe the UK has effective measures in place to enforce the landing obligation?
