Policy background Sustainable fisheries for future generations
On 4 July 2018, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) published a White Paper for consultation (‘Sustainable fisheries for future generation’). This set out the Government’s vision for future fisheries management after leaving the EU and the CFP. The White Paper sets out the Government’s aim to build a vibrant and sustainable UK fishing industry by taking responsibility for managing fisheries resources within UK waters, while continuing to protect and improve the marine environment, in line with the 25 Year Environment Plan which was published in January 2018. The purpose of the consultation was to seek views on the Government’s proposals for all aspects of its emerging approach which were set out in the White Paper.
	The consultation closed on 12 September 2018. In total, 34,667 responses to the consultation were received from a wide range of stakeholders including fishermen, POs, public bodies, local councils, non-governmental organisations, members of Parliament, IFCAs, academia, other industries and local groups.