UK Gov Supports Small-Scale Fishing Industry

UK’s Support for Small-Scale Fishers

The UK government has initiated a significant consultation aimed at supporting the small-scale fishing industry. This move reflects a growing recognition of the unique challenges faced by fishers operating smaller vessels.

Understanding the New Consultation

Aiming for Balanced Safety and Viability

The consultation, launched by the Department for Transport, seeks to explore how small-scale fishers can fish as safely as possible while ensuring their vital work continues. This comes after regulations introduced in November 2023 required fishers on small UK-flagged vessels to have a certificate of medical fitness. The government aims to strike a balance between maintaining the paramount safety of fishers and ensuring the viability of their operations.

Addressing Industry-Specific Needs

Recognizing that operators of vessels 10 metres and under often work independently, the government is considering concessions for medical exemptions. This move is especially significant for those who might be unduly forced ashore due to stringent medical requirements.

Potential Medical Concessions

Grandfather Rights and Exemptions

Some grandfather rights have been extended for conditions such as eyesight, BMI, diabetes, and seasonal fishers. The consultation proposes that fishers who have worked on vessels of 10 metres and under for at least 4 weeks between 30 November 2022 and 30 November 2023 could be exempt from holding a valid medical certificate.

Transport Secretary’s Statement

Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized the importance of safety in the fishing industry and the need for medical requirements that work for small-scale fishers. He noted that the government has listened to the industry and MPs representing coastal communities and is open to solutions that maintain high safety standards.

Industry Involvement Encouraged

Seeking Industry Feedback

The government is urging the fishing industry to actively participate in the consultation. Feedback from those directly affected will play a crucial role in shaping the final decisions. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is overseeing the consultation process, with details available on the MCA’s GOV.UK pages.

The Secretary of State for Transport is considering providing an exemption under Regulation 14 of The Merchant Shipping (Work in Fishing Convention) (Medical Certification) Regulations 2018. Regular reviews of medical standards are carried out to ensure that regulations remain relevant and effective.

Focus on Vessels of 10 Metres and Under

The proposed exemption would apply to existing fishers working in fishing vessels of 10 metres and under, as defined by the Fishing Vessels (Codes of Practice) Regulations 2017. This focus on smaller vessels acknowledges the distinct challenges they face compared to larger fishing operations.

In Conclusion

The UK government’s consultation represents a proactive approach to supporting the small-scale fishing industry, balancing the need for safety with the operational realities of fishers. This initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to listening to the industry and adapting regulations to suit the evolving needs of UK fishers.