Written question WQ85040
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
Will the Minister provide an annual breakdown for the last three financial years of how many fishing licences have been approved for boats from EU countries operating in Welsh waters?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
I have made it clear to the UK Government on a number of occasions it is of much regret the drafting of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the EU does not distinguish between ICES sub zones, nor did it include a requirement to adhere to a track record of historic fishing patterns in the UK system for granting licences to EU vessels to fish in UK waters. As a result many more EU vessels have access to Welsh inshore waters than was previously the case.
This is now the second year of operation for the new system, which grants licences based on calendar years. The number of licences granted to EU vessels to fish in the relevant portion of UK waters, including in the 6-12 mile belt to the south and south west of Wales is:
2021: 151
2022: 159