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7th Report – Resetting the relationship with fishing communities

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee HC 680 Published 24 April 2026
Report Status
Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations
27 items (17 recs)
Government Response
AI assessment · 27 of 27 classified
Accepted 8
Accepted in Part 4
Acknowledged 8
Not Addressed 1
Rejected 6
Government response
2nd Special Report - Resetting the relationship with fishing communities: Government Response · published 23 Jul 2026
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Recommendations & Conclusions

27 items
1 Conclusion Accepted

While we welcome the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, the government has not clearly set...

Conclusion
While we welcome the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund, the government has not clearly set out its rationale for committing £360 million over 12 years. The timeframe aligns with revised reciprocal access arrangements between the UK and EU, but it … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government provided a rationale for the Fund's purpose, stating it will support the fishing and seafood sector and contribute to coastal community regeneration. It committed to using clear and measurable criteria to ensure the Fund achieves its objectives, with design informed by evidence and stakeholder engagement.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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2 Recommendation Acknowledged

The government should provide this Committee with the analysis supporting the £360 million funding level,...

Recommendation
The government should provide this Committee with the analysis supporting the £360 million funding level, the 12-year duration and whatever the profile of this spending is expected to be over that period, including the reasons for establishing a new scheme … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government welcomes interest in the Fund and states its design is informed by evidence and engagement, with a commitment to using clear and measurable criteria to achieve its objectives. However, it does not explicitly provide the detailed analysis, spending profile, or rationale for the new scheme as requested, indicating these aspects will continue to evolve with further development.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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3 Conclusion Acknowledged

The government clearly recognises the strong relationship between fishing activity and coastal community wellbeing.

Conclusion
The government clearly recognises the strong relationship between fishing activity and coastal community wellbeing. Evidence shows that challenges such as inadequate port infrastructure and limited skills and training pathways require targeted support to sustain active fishing communities. The Fund’s priorities … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the conclusion by confirming it is developing future plans for the Fund from year two onwards, which will establish a broader range of spending options beyond the current FaSS framework through stakeholder engagement and an Expert Advisory Group.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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4 Recommendation Accepted in Part

Priority should be given to projects driven by active fishing communities during the Fund’s 12...

Recommendation
Priority should be given to projects driven by active fishing communities during the Fund’s 12 years of operation. This principle should be embedded in any expanded delivery model or in any new scheme developed, with 26 clear and measurable criteria … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states the Fund will support a modern fishing sector and coastal communities, using measurable criteria. It confirms that opportunities for fleet modernisation to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency are already included in the existing FaSS scheme, but does not explicitly commit to place-based advisory services.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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5 Conclusion Accepted

No Parliament can bind its successor and therefore front-loading the 12-year investment would better support...

Conclusion
No Parliament can bind its successor and therefore front-loading the 12-year investment would better support ambitious, multi-year projects and deliver early benefits. Current plans for the Fishing and Coastal Growth Fund provide £165 million up to 2030–31, yet England’s first-year … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation and states it has introduced some front-loading to the Fund's spending profile, ensuring funds are available for the full 12 years and commencing allocation in 2026-27.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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6 Recommendation Accepted

In response to this report, the government should set out the year-by-year allocation of the...

Recommendation
In response to this report, the government should set out the year-by-year allocation of the budget in England for the next four years and clarify how funding will be provided to the devolved administrations through the block grant, including whether … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government provided the £116m budget allocation for the Fund in England from 2026/27 to 2029/30 and clarified that Barnett formula consequentials of £13m capital and £6m resource DEL (for 2026/27-2028/29) apply to devolved governments, who are responsible for their own allocation.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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7 Recommendation Acknowledged

We welcome the scale of engagement carried out in developing the Fund and note clear...

Recommendation
We welcome the scale of engagement carried out in developing the Fund and note clear evidence that stakeholder views have informed its early design, such as the introduction of competitive rounds in the first year of the fund. However, there … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of engagement, stating the Fund's design continues to be informed by sustained engagement with the sector and an Expert Advisory Group. It indicates that future plans are being developed based on this ongoing engagement but does not detail how specific gaps in representation will be addressed.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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8 Recommendation Accepted

From year two onward, delivery of the Fund will not be limited to the Fisheries...

Recommendation
From year two onward, delivery of the Fund will not be limited to the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme and will incorporate a broader range of priorities such as community projects which are potentially beyond the remit of what the current … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states it is developing future plans for the Fund, and a broader range of spending options will be established, moving beyond the Fisheries and Seafood Scheme (FaSS). They are engaging with stakeholders and an Expert Advisory Group to develop priorities for year two onwards.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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9 Recommendation Accepted in Part

Industry engagement should continue at a consistent level in the development of the Fund from...

Recommendation
Industry engagement should continue at a consistent level in the development of the Fund from year two onwards and be expanded to include additional fisheries groups and representatives from Cornwall. In response to this report, the government should set out … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states it is continuing engagement with industry and developing future plans for the Fund, including establishing broader spending options. However, it cannot specify the proportion of funds allocated geographically due to the applicant-led nature of the scheme, and does not set out the intended delivery model.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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10 Conclusion Rejected

The allocation of the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund through the Barnett formula is inconsistent...

Conclusion
The allocation of the Fisheries and Coastal Growth Fund through the Barnett formula is inconsistent with model preferred by industry stakeholders in all parts of the United Kingdom. We are concerned that it does not reflect the relative scale, distribution … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the committee's concerns about the Barnett formula allocation, stating that devolved governments specifically requested funding not be reserved and preferred to identify their own fishing industry needs. It confirmed £56 million would go to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland via this method.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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11 Conclusion Acknowledged

It is not credible for any devolved administration to demand devolution of a scheme and...

Conclusion
It is not credible for any devolved administration to demand devolution of a scheme and then to complain about the financial consequences of them being given what they asked for. It is difficult not to see this as a demand … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government explains that devolution of the Fund was in response to Devolved Governments' requests and priorities, detailing the £56 million allocated to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. It reaffirms commitment to working constructively with Devolved Governments and outlines the renewal of the £1.5 million Seafood Exports Package.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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12 Recommendation Accepted

Going forward, the UK Government should work collaboratively with the devolved administrations on the design...

Recommendation
Going forward, the UK Government should work collaboratively with the devolved administrations on the design and allocation of the Fund to ensure consistency and fairness across the sector for the allocations in year two. Seafish should be used to support … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government commits to continuing to work closely and constructively with the Devolved Governments as delivery progresses. It also notes the renewed Seafood Exports Package, which will support businesses across all four nations and be delivered by Defra in collaboration with Seafish, addressing the call for a UK-wide approach.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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13 Conclusion Acknowledged

Trust between government and the fishing industry has been damaged by successive administrations.

Conclusion
Trust between government and the fishing industry has been damaged by successive administrations. Rebuilding that trust is essential if the sector is to deliver its full economic potential for the individuals and communities it supports. Fishers are calling for a … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's observation regarding damaged trust and the need for stronger engagement with the fishing industry. It claims that close sector working is already embedded and engagement approaches are strengthened, committing to further evolve and improve stakeholder engagement and invest in face-to-face contact.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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14 Recommendation Accepted in Part

Defra should require all officials working on fisheries policy, funding schemes and regulatory design to...

Recommendation
Defra should require all officials working on fisheries policy, funding schemes and regulatory design to undertake regular, in-person engagement at ports and with those operating active fishing vessels. This programme should mirror the department’s existing initiative 28 to place civil … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of staff understanding the fisheries sector, noting that officials already routinely visit ports and are encouraged to undertake MMO-led training and coastal visits. Defra commits to continuing to embed these principles and invest in face-to-face engagement, but does not explicitly commit to a formal requirement mirroring the department's farms initiative.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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15 Conclusion Acknowledged

We welcome Defra’s trials of regional seafood planning in England, but more benefits will arise...

Conclusion
We welcome Defra’s trials of regional seafood planning in England, but more benefits will arise if the scope and participation of the trials are broadened to better capture the full range of perspectives from fishing communities and the wider seafood … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the importance of broader participation by detailing the strengthened role of Regional Fisheries Groups for inshore fleet engagement. It also highlights trials of new engagement approaches, such as a workshop in St Ives, and is exploring holding more such events to involve a broad range of stakeholders.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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16 Recommendation Rejected

Defra should establish a UK-wide network of Regional Fisheries Management Forums, comprising of fishers, marine...

Recommendation
Defra should establish a UK-wide network of Regional Fisheries Management Forums, comprising of fishers, marine scientists and environmental organisations. These forums should meet at least three times a year, with minutes published within 20 working days, and be given a … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejected the recommendation to establish new UK-wide Regional Fisheries Management Forums, citing concerns about stakeholder fatigue and stating it is not the right approach. It instead highlighted existing working groups for Fisheries Management Plans and strengthened Regional Fisheries Groups in England that serve similar engagement purposes.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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17 Conclusion Acknowledged

Communication and engagement with the fishing industry on the outcomes of the annual UK–EU consultations...

Conclusion
Communication and engagement with the fishing industry on the outcomes of the annual UK–EU consultations for 2026 regarding changes to technical measures were inadequate, with unclear messaging on implementation timelines and confusion even among delivery bodies. This has left industry … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's scrutiny regarding communication of UK-EU consultation outcomes, defending its past engagement under urgent and confidential conditions. It commits to building on its approach for future technical measures in the Channel and Irish Sea, ensuring clear communication and support for stakeholders.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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18 Recommendation Accepted in Part

In response to this report, Defra should provide the Committee with a clear written account...

Recommendation
In response to this report, Defra should provide the Committee with a clear written account of its engagement with the fishing industry following the release of the December 2025 UK–EU fisheries written record. This should set out the dates and … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government describes past engagement with industry, including meetings and newsletters, but does not provide the specific "clear written account" requested by the committee, including dates and explicit communication on flexibility. It commits to building on this approach for future technical measures in the Channel and Irish Sea, ensuring clear communication as implementation timelines are confirmed.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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19 Recommendation Accepted

Those who are regulated need clear visibility of how that regulation is being enforced, so...

Recommendation
Those who are regulated need clear visibility of how that regulation is being enforced, so it is concerning that the MMO no longer routinely publishes its enforcement data in its annual reports, despite continuing to collect it. While we welcome … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government states that the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has committed to making enforcement data publicly available through its Annual Report and Accounts process, with a report expected in autumn 2026, which will include a breakdown of inspection types and compliance rates for the previous three years.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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20 Recommendation Not Addressed

In the interests of transparency, the MMO must include inspection rates and enforcement outcomes in...

Recommendation
In the interests of transparency, the MMO must include inspection rates and enforcement outcomes in its annual reports beginning with the 2025–26 report. In response to this Report, it should also retrospectively publish inspection data and outcomes for the previous … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government's response focuses entirely on stakeholder engagement and rebuilding trust in fisheries management, without addressing the specific recommendation to include inspection rates and enforcement outcomes in MMO annual reports or to retrospectively publish this data.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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21 Recommendation Accepted

There is growing spatial conflict between fisheries, offshore energy, conservation and other marine users, yet...

Recommendation
There is growing spatial conflict between fisheries, offshore energy, conservation and other marine users, yet current governance arrangements still lack a coherent “shore-to-sea” approach. Defra’s Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme (MSPri) remains opaque and underused, The Crown Estate’s Marine Delivery Routemap … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the issue of marine spatial squeeze but states it will continue to use existing frameworks and programmes like MSPri, Marine Policy Statements, and TCE's Routemap rather than creating a new single, comprehensive UK-wide sea use framework as requested.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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22 Recommendation Rejected

In response to this report, the government should confirm its commitment to development of a...

Recommendation
In response to this report, the government should confirm its commitment to development of a ‘Sea Use Framework’. It should set out a clear timetable for developing such a Framework, which should follow a similar structure and methodology to the … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation for a new 'Sea Use Framework', stating that structures already exist to fulfil this role. It cites current marine plans, National Policy Statements, the Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme, and TCE’s Marine Delivery Routemap as already providing effective frameworks for sea use.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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23 Conclusion Acknowledged

Spatial squeeze poses significant and growing challenges, with an increasing number of sectors competing for...

Conclusion
Spatial squeeze poses significant and growing challenges, with an increasing number of sectors competing for limited marine space. Although initiatives such as the MSPri programme are intended to inform cross- departmental policy and planning, the absence of any reference to … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government commits to finding appropriate ways to improve overall transparency for the MSPri programme but rejects the need for an addendum to the North Sea Future Plan, stating the NSFP already acknowledges MSPri's role in considering future demands on marine space.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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24 Recommendation Rejected

Defra should introduce an annual reporting process which details the use of the Marine Spatial...

Recommendation
Defra should introduce an annual reporting process which details the use of the Marine Spatial Prioritisation programme (MSPri). The first report, covering activity during 2025–26, should be published within six months of the publication of this Report. Thereafter, annual MSPri … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the specific recommendation for an annual reporting process and timely publication of MSPri Programme Board minutes, stating it is not possible at this time due to the evolving nature of the program, but commits to finding other ways to improve overall transparency.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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25 Recommendation Rejected

Defra should work with DESNZ to publish, within six months of the government response to...

Recommendation
Defra should work with DESNZ to publish, within six months of the government response to this Report, an addendum to the North Sea Future Plan that explicitly sets out how fishing interests and marine environmental protections are assessed and incorporated … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to publish an addendum to the North Sea Future Plan, stating it is not necessary and that fishing and environmental considerations will be incorporated into the developing Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) via Defra’s MSPri programme.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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26 Conclusion Accepted

Fragmented responsibilities and siloed decision-making continue to undermine coherent marine management.

Conclusion
Fragmented responsibilities and siloed decision-making continue to undermine coherent marine management. Confusion over the North Sea Future Plan and conflicting policy signals experienced by fishers demonstrate that existing coordination structures are not delivering consistent cross-government direction. Although mechanisms such as … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's concern but states that existing structures such as Marine Plans, National Policy Statements, the MSPri programme, and TCE’s Marine Delivery Routemap already provide the functions of a Sea Use Framework.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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27 Recommendation Rejected

To ensure coherent cross-government leadership of the proposed Sea Use Framework by the end of...

Recommendation
To ensure coherent cross-government leadership of the proposed Sea Use Framework by the end of 2026, the government should establish a ministerial board, to oversee the coordination of government policy on the use of UK waters. This ministerial board would … Read more
Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to establish a new ministerial board for a Sea Use Framework, stating that existing structures such as Marine Plans, National Policy Statements, the MSPri programme, and TCE’s Marine Delivery Routemap already fulfil the role of a Sea Use Framework.
Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
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