The Brexit fishing agreement, also known as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, was signed in December 2020 between the United Kingdom and the European Union. This agreement aimed to govern fishing rights and access to waters in the United Kingdom`s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) after Brexit and the end of the transition period.
The agreement allows the UK to regain control of its waters, which was a major goal for Brexiteers. Under the agreement, the UK will gradually take back 25% of the EU`s fishing quota in UK waters over the next five years, increasing the UK`s share to 75% by 2026. Until then, the EU will continue to have access to UK waters as before.
However, this new arrangement has not been without controversy. The EU has argued that the UK`s decision to reduce access to its waters could lead to job losses in countries that rely heavily on fishing, such as France and Spain. The UK government has countered that the fishing industry contributes relatively little to the country`s overall economy and that the agreement will allow for a fairer distribution of fishing opportunities.
The agreement also provides for continued cooperation between the UK and the EU on various issues related to fishing, including science, conservation, and management. The two sides have agreed to work together to ensure sustainable fishing practices and to maintain mutual access to fishing waters in the North Sea and the Irish Sea.
Overall, the Brexit fishing agreement represents a major shift in the relationship between the UK and the EU when it comes to fishing. While it has been a contentious issue, the hope is that the agreement will provide a stable framework for cooperation and sustainable fishing practices in the years to come.
