., George Eustice MP
Minister of State, Department for Environmenti

Food and Rural Affairs

Department Seawle Building
2 Marsham Street 03459 335577

for Envwonment London 

Food Rural Affairs 4DF 
Mr Bob Seely MP Our ref: 
House of Commons
London 5 November 2019
SW1A 0AA

VED

Dear Bob, 76 DEC my

Thank you for your letter ot1 October to the Secretary at State on behalf of your constituents
about the Margiris Trawler. I am replying as the Minister responsible for this policy area.

The UK is a global leader in the tight to protect our seas, with our 'Blue Belt' of protected
waters nearly twice the size of England.

While we are still part of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), EU registered vessels are
legally entitled to fish in our waters. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) closely
monitored and inspected the Margiris trawler while in UK waters to ensure their fishing
activities adhered to current rules and did not take place in restricted areas.

Currently. the Common Fisheries Policy restricts our ability to implement tougher
protections. but leaving the EU and taking back control of our waters as an independent
coastal state gives us the opportunity to introduce stronger measures. We expect to hold
annual negotlations with the EU and third countries on access and fishing opportunities. We

have been clear that all vessels will have to comply with UK rules when operating in our
waters.

The Government remains fully committed to sustainable fishing, including ending the
wasteful discarding of fish. We are committed to protecting vulnerable marine species such
as dolphins and seabirds in UK waters. We are currently developing plans and implementing

regional measures, in close collaboration with the fishing industry to reduce bycatch of these
iconic species

GEORGE EUSTICE MP