The members of the European Parliament's fisheries committee met behind closed doors in Brussels on Tuesday 11 October, to discuss the possible impact of Brexit on fishing.
A source explained that the concerns are both large and justified, as fishing will be one of the sectors to be hit hardest by Brexit.
Meeting with a small group of representatives from the sector, the MEPs discussed the huge dependency of certain fishing industries (particularly those of France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Denmark) on fish stocks in British waters. For instance, French fishermen are dependent at a level of 75% (off the Normandy coast) and 50% (off the Brittany coast) on British waters. It must also be borne in mind that the British fishing fleets need to be able to sell their products in the EU and to land their catch in European ports. In general, the European Parliament wants to be involved from the outset in the reflection on the consequences of Brexit and how the negotiations will be carried out, a source explained.
A further hearing on the effects of Brexit on the common fisheries policy (CFP) is expected to be held in November. As regards the proposals on the table with an impact on the UK, such as the multi-species management plan in the North Sea, the message sent out by the chair of the fisheries committee, Alain Cadec (EPP, France), is that work will continue without any changes or delays. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)