In a few weeks the government’s fisheries bill will return to the House of Commons. The environment secretary, Michael Gove, has claimed that his plans enable the UK to “take back control” of its waters and establish a worldwide “gold standard” for sustainable fisheries. It is a crucial part of the government’s pledge to enhance protections for the environment and deliver on its promise of a green Brexit. Yet, if the government’s current plans are implemented, our marine environment will be less protected after Brexit than it is now.

First, the bill does nothing to prevent fishing limits being set above scientific recommendations, meaning stocks will be susceptible to short-term political decisions and destructive overfishing. Second, the bill sets out admirable sustainability objectives, but it does not put any legal requirements on public authorities to achieve them. Ministers understand that the sustainability of our fish stocks is vital to the health of the marine environment and to the coastal communities that depend on them. It is in everyone’s interest for them to live up to their promises, and put in place the necessary legal provisions that will deliver sustainable fishing in this landmark bill.

Sandy Luk Chief executive, Marine Conservation Society

Debbie Tripley Director of environmental policy and advocacy, WWF

James Thornton Chief executive, ClientEarth

Stephanie Hilborne Chief executive, The Wildlife Trusts

Mike Clarke Chief executive, RSPB

John Sauven Executive director, Greenpeace UK

Pascale Moehrle Executive director, Oceana

David Bunt Chief executive, Institute of Fisheries Management

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