Brexit has been a significant issue in the United Kingdom since the 2016 referendum that led to the country’s decision to leave the European Union. Among the various industries affected by Brexit, fishing has been one of the most contentious issues. British fishermen have always maintained that their livelihoods were hindered by EU regulations, and Brexit promised to free them from these constraints. However, as the UK navigates its exit from the EU, it is becoming increasingly clear that the fishing industries of Britain will be significantly impacted.
The fishing industry in Britain is a vital sector of the economy, generating over £1 billion a year and supporting thousands of jobs. It was one of the key issues exploited by campaigners in the Brexit referendum, who argued that the industry would only thrive once Britain was outside the EU. One of the main reasons for this optimism was the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which controlled fishing quotas and access to waters. Many British fishermen felt that they were unfairly disadvantaged by the CFP, which was primarily designed to benefit countries like France and Spain who had larger fleets.
Brexit promised to change all that. Once Britain left the EU, it would take complete control of its waters and be free to negotiate access agreements with other countries on its terms. However, the reality is proving to be somewhat different. Negotiations with the EU over a post-Brexit trade deal have become increasingly acrimonious, with fishing rights one of the main sticking points. The EU has insisted that continued access to British waters is a condition of any trade deal, while Britain wants to limit EU access and hand more quotas to British boats.
The impact on British fishing has already been felt. In anticipation of Brexit and the potential loss of access to EU markets, many fishermen have been holding back on investing in their businesses, as they are unsure about what the future holds. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded these issues, with the closure of restaurants and other food outlets leading to a glut of fish on the market, driving prices down.
The fishing industry is also facing issues around labor. Many EU nationals work on fishing boats, and with the end of free movement between the UK and EU, it is unclear how their status will change. Recruiting skilled workers from outside the UK may also become more challenging as the government tightens immigration rules.
Brexit is set to have a significant and far-reaching impact on the fishing industries of Britain. While the sector was one of the focuses of the Leave campaign in the 2016 referendum, the reality is proving to be much more complex than expected. Negotiations with the EU will need to find a balance between protecting the interests of British fishermen while still allowing access to EU markets. Only time will tell whether the UK fisheries will thrive outside the EU or suffer from the impact of leaving.