The Withdrawal Agreement is a legally binding document that outlines the terms of the United Kingdom`s departure from the European Union. One of the key aspects of the agreement is the future of fishing in UK waters. There has been significant debate around this issue, with both the UK and EU taking strong positions. So, what does the Withdrawal Agreement say about fishing?
The agreement sets out a transition period, which began on 1 February 2020 and will end on 31 December 2020. During this period, the UK will continue to follow EU rules and regulations, including those relating to fishing. However, the UK will no longer be part of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), which sets the rules for fishing in EU waters.
Once the transition period ends, the UK will be able to assert full control over its waters, including the 200-mile exclusive economic zone. This means that the UK will be able to set its own rules and regulations for fishing, and will be able to negotiate with other countries on access to its waters.
The agreement also sets out a framework for future cooperation on fisheries between the UK and the EU. This includes the establishment of a new annual consultation process, in which the two sides will discuss issues such as fishing quotas and access to each other`s waters. The agreement also includes a commitment to work together on the sustainable management of fish stocks.
However, the details of the future agreement on fishing remain to be negotiated. The UK government has made it clear that it wants to take back control of its waters, while the EU has indicated that it wants to maintain access to UK waters for its fishing fleets.
There are also concerns about the potential impact of Brexit on the fishing industry. Many UK fishermen rely heavily on access to EU markets for their catch, and there are fears that a no-deal Brexit could result in tariffs and other barriers to trade.
In conclusion, the Withdrawal Agreement sets out a framework for the future of fishing in UK waters, but there are still many details to be worked out. The UK will have greater control over its waters, but there are also risks and challenges associated with the transition. Only time will tell how the fishing industry and the negotiations will play out in the years to come.