11/09/24 - Agriculture budget, overfishing, bottom trawling and fishermen health concerns

Farming Today

The health of the fishing industry relies directly on the number of fish in the sea, and the balance between conserving fish stocks, while also catching enough to make a living, is in constant tension. The Blue Marine Foundation charity has launched legal proceedings over the previous Government's decision to set fishing levels on multiple UK stocks above the level suggested by scientific advice. DEFRA says catch limits have been set in line with obligations under the Fisheries Act 2020 and the Joint Fisheries Statement.

The practice of fishing by trawling the sea bed has come in for criticism from conservationists, because of the disturbance and destruction it can cause. The latest report by ICES, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, points out that bottom trawling is one of the major causes of environmental damage to the seabed. We visit a Government-funded trial underway in Brixham, where a new type pf fishing gear is being tested, which it’s hoped will have less impact.

And poor health experienced by many fishermen could be contributing to a decline in numbers working in the industry. That's according to charities and organisations that work with them. Last year, there was an 8% drop in the number of active fishermen in Scotland - part of a steady decline over the last decade.

Presented by Anna Hill Produced by Heather Simons