My View: Overfishing

Thank you to everyone who contacted me about overfishing. I know overfishing has been a real problem that we do not want to see happen in future. I will always support our fishing fleet, the seafood it produces and the communities it supports. I back a vibrant, profitable, and sustainable fishing industry alongside a healthy and productive marine environment. 

I am committed to measures that protect and restore our fishing stocks to sustainable levels and to supporting the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry. I am pleased that this is a priority shared by our Government.

In December 2025, through the revised Environmental Improvement Plan (EIP), Ministers committed to managing marine fisheries sustainably as required under the Joint Fisheries Statement and the Fisheries Act 2020. It will use the best available scientific advice when negotiating with other coastal states to set Total Allowable Catches managed within sustainable limits over the long-term.

The Fisheries Act 2020 contains a commitment to recover stocks to sustainable levels through the development of Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs). These allow the Government to assess the state of stocks and set out a series of tailored and evidence-based measures to maintain or restore fishing stocks to maximum sustainable yield. I know our Government is developing more FMPs while continuing to deliver the actions of the six existing plans. A consultation on four new FMPs closed on 5^th May 2026 and I look forward to seeing the outcome.

I know that Ministers are working closely with the fishing and seafood sectors to ensure they are vibrant, profitable and sustainable, while ensuring a healthy and productive marine environment. I recognise the vital contribution of fishing and coastal communities to our economy, local communities and national heritage. I support the introduction of the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund, a £360 million investment to support the next generation of fishers and breathe new life into our coastal communities.

More broadly, I support our Government’s commitment to protecting 30% of land and sea in the UK by 2030, known as the 30by30 commitment.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this important issue. I assure you all I support action to ensure a resilient and healthy food system that works with nature and supports all British food producers, including fishers.