Fisheries and Brexit Book Co-edited by WMU Researcher
A new publication, Fisheries and the Law in Europe: Regulation after Brexit, examines Brexit, fisheries and the repercussions of the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) on the UK and the EU fishing industries. It provides a state-of-the-art discussion on economic, legal and policy approaches in relation to fisheries and Brexit and is co-edited by World Maritime University (WMU) Associate Research Officer, Dr Tafsir Matin Johansson, in cooperation with Dr Jonatan Echebarria Fernández (BI Norwegian Business School), Dr Jon Skinner (retired Commander, US Navy) of the University of Alaska at Anchorage, and Mitchell Lennan of the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (lecturer of University of Aberdeen: from June 2022).
Important topics addressed include provisions relevant to fisheries in the TCA, trilateral bilateral fishing negotiations, the 2020 Fisheries Act, fisheries enforcement conservation of fisheries resources, and the UK’s role in International Fisheries Organizations. In addition, expert opinion on fisheries in a post-Brexit world is included in a special chapter that lays out important lessons for future developments. Altogether, the book covers important dimensions of fisheries in a post-Brexit world and is responsive to the needs and interests of concerned academics and stakeholders.
Regarding the publication, Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, WMU President, said, “The results of this work clearly indicate that agreements and arrangements that impact fisheries management should be developed in a strategic manner from both sides of the English Channel. Otherwise, our valuable fisheries industry is confronted with the challenge of how to respond to changes that will, in turn, have negative implications on the fish stocks they manage. The inevitable eventuality is that fisheries in Europe need to be managed on the basis of common rules and standards, and ecosystem conservation considerations, irrespective of political boundaries. Effective management is instrumental so it does not lead the industry to critical junctures”.
WMU faculty have welcomed the publication. Professor Ronan Long, Director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute said, “The authors of individual chapters have drawn upon their detailed knowledge of the intricacies of the new regulatory arrangements for some of the world’s most lucrative demersal and pelagic fisheries. What emerges from the discussion in this book is that fisheries will continue to be highly regulated on both sides of the English Channel. The book will undoubtedly be of great interest to fisheries experts, scientists, as well as industry alike.”
Head of the WMU Ocean Sustainability, Governance and Management specialization, Professor Francis Neat said, “Brexit has caused a massive upheaval for the EU fishing industry and while the transition period rolls on, the long-term implications remain very unclear for both the EU and the UK. This timely publication, co-edited by WMU’s Dr. Tafsir Johansson, provides an authoritative reference for anyone interested in the legal underpinnings of fisheries management in Europe and the UK and how this is changing with respect to Brexit.”
