Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
3d ago

UK to Adjust English Sand Eel Ban Following Mixed PCA Ruling

The Permanent Court of Arbitration upheld Scotland's sand eel fishing ban but found the English ban disproportionate under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

Image
Image
British and EU flags hang on the day of the meeting of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in Brussels, Belgium October 2, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman
Denmark wants to fish for sand eels in UK waters which endangered puffins feed on

Overview

  • The Permanent Court of Arbitration ruled the UK must adjust its English sand eel fishing ban to comply with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
  • The tribunal upheld the Scottish ban, rejecting the EU's challenge and affirming the ecological basis for protecting seabirds like puffins and kittiwakes.
  • The UK government has committed to compliance with the ruling 'in good faith' without reopening English waters to sand eel fishing.
  • The EU plans to incorporate fishing rights into broader negotiations at the May 19 Brexit 'reset' summit, where long-term cooperation will be discussed.
  • Conservation groups celebrated the decision, emphasizing its importance for seabird recovery, while Danish fleets, which dominate EU sand eel fishing, face significant impacts.