New rules banning Westcountry fishermen from dumping species such as haddock, sole and plaice out at sea come into force today.
Fishing vessels will instead have to land everything catch when they reach shore, whether or not it fits their allocated quota.
The demersal discard ban is the second such measure to be introduced by EU member states in a bid to end the wasteful practice of discarding non-quota catch at sea.
It’s predecessor, the pelagic discard ban, came into force last January, prohibiting the dumping of species like mackerel and herring.
The new measure will extend similar restrictions to seabed species such as hake, sole and Norway lobster, and will be phased in between now and 2019.
The discard ban has faced criticism from members of the fishing industry, who warn of scenarios in which fleets are left tied up at ports for fear of over-reaching their quota.
But the UK Government has negotiated for increases in quotas and additional European funding to cushion the blow of reforms.
Fisheries minister George Eustice said the ban also referred to as the landing obligation is crucial to making fishing more sustainable.
It is essential that we put an end to discarding, and the start of the demersal ban marks a significant milestone in achieving this, he said.
We fought hard to achieve the discard ban through our reforms to the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) it is one of the most important changes to fisheries management since the creation of the CFP.
Together with careful quota management the discard ban will help us to achieve our shared ambitions of a profitable fishing industry by protecting our fish stocks for the future and safeguarding a healthy marine environment.
The Marine Management Organisation is charged with enforcing the ban, and will take proportionate and appropriate action against vessels who break regulations.
Its introduction follows announcements that fishermen in the South West will also be subject to a six month moratorium on sea bass fisheries.
It is hoped that quota uplifts for certain species will deter breaches, while freedom to bank and borrow quota will give fishermen greater flexibility to manage their catch.
Ministers have also secured European Maritime and Fisheries funding, which can be used to help vessels purchase more selective fishing gear, and to support the development of new markets for fish that were previously discarded.
A Defra spokesman said the negotiations are proof the Government is delivering on its commitment to support smaller, inshore fleets and ensure sustainable stocks for the future.
More information about the ban, including affected species and exemptions, is available at www.gov.uk/government/collections/fisheries-management-landing-obligation.
2016 Local World