Commenting ahead of the session, Greenpeace UK oceans campaigner Alix Foster Vander Elst said:
‘It’s no secret that small-scale fishermen have been left cheated and neglected by the current quota system. But while George Eustice has held up leaving the EU as a magic pill to cure the fishing industry, it was his department which gave almost two-thirds of fishing quota to just three companies, leaving small-scale fishermen struggling.
‘Eustice is absolutely right that we need radical change for our fishing industry. Absurdly unequal quota distribution must become a thing of the past and local, sustainable, fishermen must finally be given the quota they need to earn a living. The small-scale fleet is the lifeblood of the British fishing industry, yet the Government has pushed them to the brink of extinction. George Eustice cannot afford to let this continue. Placing economic, social and environmental sustainability at the heart of our fishing policy would help to reinvigorate struggling coastal communities, maintain healthy fish stocks and improve the livelihoods of fishermen.’
For interviews and further information, contact:
Luke Massey, Press & Communications Officer, 07973 873 155, luke.massey@greenpeace.org
