Why are fishing rights so important in Brexit trade talks?

It’s a comparatively small industry but the fishing industry is one of the final outstanding issues still to be negotiated in the Brexit talks. Sean O’Grady explains why it’s so controversial – and why, in the end, no one will be happy with the outcome

The issue is complicated but also highly emotive (AFP/Getty)

Given that fisheries represent less than 1 per cent of national income in the UK and France – the principal protagonists – it is difficult for many to understand why this comparatively small industry is hindering any Brexit trade deal. Yet the obstacles are still formidable, even though progress on key areas is being made. Britain has, reportedly, made a generous offer of a five-year transition period, about 65 per cent of the catch available to the EU, plus a joint procedure for allocating quotas and managing disputes.  

Even so, it will mean hardship for the fisherfolk of France, the Netherlands, Ireland, Belgium and Denmark, who have enjoyed some access to British waters for centuries (give or take a few wars), and by treaty and then the EU Common Fisheries Policy since the 1960s. Now that Britain is to be an “independent coastal state” with a 200-mile exclusive economic zone, such access is jeopardised.  

At the same time, though, there are many more fish out there than the British could consume, even if they tried, processing imported fish (also from Iceland and Norway) has become a bigger industry and needs EU markets, and some British trawlers may wish to continue fishing for particular species in European waters.