Ban on industrial sandeel fishing is precious boost for puffins - but Danish fishermen are not happy

 

Puffin with favourite food - sandeels 

A DECISION by the UK and Scottish governments to ban industrial sandeel fishing in all British waters should prove  a massive boost to puffins and other seabird species - but it risks sparking a diplomatic row.

Since 2015, Danish fishermen have targeted the sandeels in the southern North Sea as a source for manufacture of fish oil and fishmeal products - some of which provide feed for farm livestock 

The industry is reckoned to be worth as much as £3-billion a year.

The Danes believe the ban breaches terms of  the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) that was thrashed out during Brexit negotiations.

It is possible the Danish government might contest the ban - or seek compensation.

A statement this week from Environment Secretary Steve Barclay did not refer to the Danes' indignation, instead choosing to emphasise the benefit to populations of seabirds whose decline is thought to be a consequence of sandeel depletion.

It reads: "I am committed to delivering the action required to meet our ambitious goal to halt and reverse the decline of wildlife."

The chief executive of the RSPB, Beccy Speight, and the director of RSPB Scotland, Anne McCall, have both welcomed the ban.

Says the latter: "I commend the leadership shown by both Scottish and UK Governments to take action to protect our beleaguered and precious seabirds.

"With over 70 per cent  of Scottish seabird populations in decline, ending industrial sandeel fishing is the single greatest action that can be taken to support our most vulnerable seabirds right now. 

"It will build their resilience in the face of Avian Flu and the multitude of other human-made pressures they face, such as climate change and offshore developments. 

"Sandeels are a key food source for seabirds and other marine wildlife but have been adversely affected by both climate change and unsustainable fishing, so this is a very positive and welcome measure for the overall health of our seas."

The ban is due to take effect in April this year.

The Wryneck says: Fingers crossed, the ban will have huge benefit to our marine birdlife, but it is far too premature for any mutual backslapping by governments or by the RSPB. If the livelihoods of Danish fishermen are imperilled, it is inevitable they will feel aggrieved. Likewise any of their British counterparts who are similarly disadvantaged. Unless the concerns of fishermen are satisfactorily addressed, the ban will simply  be flouted. And, as Steve Barclay (and most other people) know, there is almost nothing Government - whether UK or Scottish - can do by way of enforcement.