Debate contribution: Fishing Strategy
Debate contribution by Mr Andrew Muir on .
- MLA
- Mr Andrew Muir
- Party at the time
- Alliance Party
- Date
- 20 October 2026
- Type
- Debate contribution
- Business
- Oral Answers to Questions
- Heading
- Fishing Strategy
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5798594
Read the official Assembly record
Text
The joint fisheries statement, which was published in 2022, provides the overarching framework for fisheries management across the UK. Its ambition is to deliver world-class, sustainable fisheries management while supporting a profitable fishing industry and a healthy marine environment. I recognise the significant challenges facing the fishing industry. They include fuel costs, labour availability and access to fishing grounds. Engagement with industry stakeholders is central to developing policies that support a resilient, sustainable and prosperous fishing and seafood sector while meeting our environmental and climate action obligations. I remain committed to working closely with the industry and to providing ongoing financial support through the marine environment and fisheries fund. I met industry representatives in Kilkeel on 30 July and committed to working with them to co-design options to help secure the sector's long-term future. That commitment is being taken forward through a number of key initiatives, including the review of the fishing and seafood development programme (FSDP), which will prioritise investment in port infrastructure, operational safety and climate change mitigation and adaptation. That will be complemented by the development of my Department's climate action plan and fisheries sectoral plan, both of which will be informed by ongoing engagement with industry. Work has also commenced on a scoping exercise to consider how a fisheries resilience framework could strengthen the sector's ability to respond to future economic and environmental pressures. We are committed to doing that. As the Member knows, we have resource pressures, but the framework is something that we want to progress. Alongside that, my Department continues to advocate fishing opportunities for the Northern Ireland fleet while ensuring that stocks are managed sustainably. Progress is being made on a number of fisheries management plans, including three that are being led by my Department, and responses to the consultation on marine protected areas are being analysed to inform future policy development.
310 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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