Steering his fishing boat towards his home port of Wick, Andrew Bremner's mood darkened despite the calm waters of the Pentland Firth glistening in the sun. His ten-man crew had just completed a successful 16-day stint at sea, bringing in cod, haddock, and whiting. Yet, as they returned to shore, there was little joy among the fishermen. The announcement of a new trade deal between the UK and the European Union cast a shadow over their return.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer proclaimed the agreement as a means to "support British businesses" and "back British jobs." However, for Bremner and his fellow Scottish fishermen, the deal felt like a “betrayal.” Bremner expressed his dismay upon learning about the agreement through social media, lamenting that the government seemed indifferent to the challenges facing the fishing industry. This sentiment resonates deeply in communities along Scotland's rugged coastline, where hope for a thriving fishing sector now feels misplaced.

The agreement represents the first substantial post-Brexit reset of UK-EU relations, covering various areas including trade, defence, energy, and notably, fishing rights. A central feature of the deal allows European fishing fleets to retain access to British waters for an additional 12 years. In exchange, the UK government has promised to ease trade logistics, significantly reducing paperwork and checks that have hindered exports. Yet, many in the Scottish fishing industry, including the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), have labelled the deal "disastrous," claiming it threatens the very existence of Scotland’s commercial fishing sector, which, in 2022, supported 4,000 jobs and contributed £335 million to the economy.

While some sectors within the broader fishing industry welcome the easing of trade restrictions, the SFF's outrage has been indicative of a deeper frustration rooted in a history of perceived government betrayals. The federation has accused successive UK administrations of neglecting the fishing industry and failing to safeguard its interests against powerful European fishing lobbies. Notably, the prospect of returning to annual negotiations post-2026 raises fears among fishermen that they may lose even more crucial access to their traditional waters.

Bremner's worries are echoed by James Anderson, chairman of the Shetland Fishermen’s Association, who reflects on the historical context where UK fishermen were deemed "expendable" in the pursuit of broader national benefits. Anderson points out that the operational numbers of British vessels have dwindled due to EU-imposed quota cuts aimed at sustaining fish stocks, leaving the Scottish fleet struggling to maintain its position against foreign boats that encroach into British waters. This ongoing encroachment, particularly from Spanish and French vessels, represents a stark threat to local fishermen like Bremner, who feel they face increasing competition under conditions that allow foreign fleets to exploit resources without adequate safeguards for their livelihoods.

Parallel to this, there is a growing concern about sustainability and the long-term implications for Scotland's marine environment. Overfishing has already begun to strip marine resources bare, and local fishermen like Bremner are acutely aware of the risks associated with unchecked foreign access. He recounted instances of aggressive encounters with foreign vessels that have threatened both his boat and livelihood, arguing that the government's promises of support ring hollow against these daily realities.

In contrast, some industry segments, particularly in aquaculture, have welcomed the deal for aiming to cut red tape that has restricted exports. Creel fisherman Bally Philp explained how small-scale fishermen were disproportionately affected by previous Brexit arrangements and highlighted that while some might see temporary benefits in exporting shellfish more easily, the overarching concern remains the sustainability of fishing practices and the future of their communities.

The debate extends to the political landscape, where parties like Reform UK are seizing moments of discontent, with their leaders accusing the government of abandoning the fishing industry. Richard Tice, a prominent figure within the Reform party, has pledged that if elected, they would repeal the recent agreement. In contrast, political analysts suggest that such promises might resonate differently across fishermen depending on their unique circumstances, particularly given the mixed implications of the deal for various segments of the fishing industry.

As fishermen navigate the uncertainties ahead, the challenge remains whether the £360 million fund announced by the government—intended to modernise fleets and invigorate coastal communities—will lead to substantial benefits or merely serve as a palliative for deeper systemic issues. For Andrew Bremner and his crew, the weight of history and the pressures of the present continue to loom large, as they brace for a future where the lifeblood of their industry may be at stake.

Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services