Fisheries 2027

Defra wants to know what priorities should drive fisheries policy until 2027. Defra’s draft vision is to maximise the long-term economic benefits of commercial and recreation fisheries, within environmental and social constraints. It highlights a number of possible trade-offs between economic, social and environmental considerations. For example, should fishing effort be curtailed to ensure that some fish stocks don’t collapse? Scientists are expected to provide the best possible science, involve stakeholders in data collection and communicate their findings to stakeholders. The BES will be responding to this consultation by 26 April 2007.