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British fishermen. (Photo: National Federation of Fishermen Organisations)
Seafood exports to EU generate millions to the UK economy
(UNITED KINGDOM, 4/29/2016)
British fishermen continue to benefit from easy access to the EU market, with 85 per cent of all UK shellfish exports worth GBP 360 million heading for European shores in 2015, according to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
“From seafood paella in Madrid to Coquilles Saint Jacques in Paris, the latest export figures show seafood caught off our shores has a prominent place on restaurant menus and supermarket shelves across Europe,” pointed out Environment Secretary Elizabeth Truss.
Since 2012, British scallop exports to France have leapt by almost 18 per cent to the highest level since records began.
Langoustine exports to Mediterranean countries like Spain were worth GBP 80 million and salmon exports, to all 27 EU member states, worth GBP 220 million to the economy in revenue in 2015.
UK fishermen currently have easy access to Europe, free from tariffs or other unnecessary red tape, but outside the EU the potential loss to fish and shellfish exporters could be up to GBP 100 million, with an average tariff of 10 per cent.
Today’s figures come as the world’s biggest Seafood Expo kicks off in Brussels this week with more than 140 countries, including the UK, promoting their seafood in an attempt to boost even more exports to Europe.
The DEFRA revealed that exports of all UK fish and fish products to the EU were worth over GBP 900 million to the British growing economy in 2015, almost 70 per cent of total exports for the sector. In total, 60 per cent of British food and drink exports go to the EU, worth over GBP 11 million to the economy.
The environment secretary also explained that as part of the EU, the UK has automatic access to member state waters.
By leading on the reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, the UK Government delivered a better deal for UK fishermen, securing changes including ending the wasteful practice of discarding, giving power back to countries and fishermen through regional fisheries management, and a legal commitment to fish sustainably.
Sustainable fishing has led to stock recovery, allowing significant quota increases for 2016 in iconic species like cod and haddock in the North Sea and plaice in the English Channel.
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
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