Britain is taking advantage of post-Brexit freedoms to deliver more support for UK sustainable fishing.

New plans have been published today to help protect and recover key fishing stocks.

The first five Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) set out how the Government will work with the fishing industry and other stakeholders to support the sustainable management of species such as crab, lobster, king scallop and bass.

Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “We are taking full advantage of our position as an independent coastal state outside the EU to deliver for the UK fishing industry and the coastal communities it supports.

“Today’s announcements are the result of direct dialogue with industry over many months, and will help to deliver sustainable stocks and a modern and profitable fishing industry for the future.”

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The plans include measures such as increasing the minimum size at which a fish can be removed to ensure the health of stock, as well as introducing seasonal and area closures to protect juvenile and spawning stocks.

Mike Cohen, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, said: “Fishers and fishing communities have more to lose than anyone if fish stocks are not sustainably managed.

“These plans are a genuinely ambitious attempt to do that important job better.

“With knowledgeable stakeholders involved and good quality science at the heart of the process, FMPs are well placed to sustain and grow our fishing fleet’s ability to keep providing affordable, healthy, low-carbon food.”

FMPs are evidence-based action plans underpinning the UK’s new system of fisheries management outside the EU.

They are developed with input from the fishing industry and other stakeholders.

They set out short, medium and long-term actions to protect and improve stocks.

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