Additional information: Management of fishing in offshore MPAs
Updated 17 March 2023
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The EU Common Fisheries Policy currently restricts the ability of the UK to introduce fisheries management measures to protect our MPAs. At the end of the Transition Period on 31 December 2020, the EU Common Fisheries Policy will no longer apply in UK waters and we will be free to introduce effective and proportionate fisheries measures to protect our MPAs. The UK Fisheries Bill contains new powers which will allow the MMO to manage fishing activities to protect offshore MPAs after the Transition Period. These new powers will ensure consistency in the process of managing fishing across English inshore (0 nautical miles (nm) to 12 nm) and offshore (12 nm to 200 nm) waters.
Decisions on fisheries management measures will always be led by best available evidence and adhere to the legal tests set out for the different types of MPA which make up the UK Blue Belt.
Fisheries measures to protect our MPAs will be non-discriminatory; they will apply equally to all vessels with rights to fish in the affected area.
Fishing access rights of vessels from EU member states are subject to ongoing negotiations between the UK.