UK fishing waters 'abused' 600 times by foreign ships

FOREIGN fishing boats are "abusing" England's waters with nearly 600 illegal infringements during the past five years, an MP has warned.

- Steph Spyro

Marine protection officials have taken action against at least 156 vessels in 2024 alone.

Reform UK deputy leader Richard Tice said: "It's clear that even though we are now meant to have taken back control of our fishing waters that more needs to be done.

"Foreign fishing vessels are abusing our waters and in 2024 to date over 156 offences have seen enforcement action taken, based on almost 600 infringements.

"The Tories failed our fishing industry and Labour refuse to even talk about it." The MP added: "Only Reform UK will stand up for our fishing industry and ensure they're protected and allowed to thrive."

England's Marine Management Organisation has boarded and inspected foreign vessels at sea on 1,451 occasions since the start of 2019 to October 31 this year.

Infringements were detected during 585 inspections.

Smuggling