Defra ‘Fisheries Minister George Eustice announced yesterday that EU vessels will no longer be able to carry out electric pulse fishing in UK waters after Brexit. Meanwhile Europeans reach a complex deal that sees the Dutch pulse fishing fleet reduced.

Pulse trawling is a controversial fishing method that uses electrical signals to drive flat fish, such as sole, from the seabed into nets. It was banned by the EU in 1998, but has been allowed under an EU derogation since 2006. Currently over 80 Dutch vessels hold permissions to use this method of fishing in certain parts of the southern North Sea, including in UK waters outside the 12-mile zone. Legislation laid yesterday (Wednesday 13 February) means the current derogation for EU vessels will be removed, prohibiting them from conducting pulse trawling in UK waters after Brexit.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Farming Today this morning Tom Brown of the Thanet Fishermen’s Association praised the announcement and what it means for the protection of our fish stocks. The ban comes as the UK prepares to leave the Common Fisheries Policy and become an independent coastal state, committed to building a sustainable and profitable fishing industry and delivering a green Brexit with new protections for our precious marine environment.

Fisheries Minister George Eustice said: There are serious concerns about pulse fishing and it is wrong that the EU has allowed it to happen. We will stop EU vessels pulse fishing in UK, safeguarding our marine environment and keeping our seas sustainable for future generations.