Falkland Islands urge British MPs to maintain EU market for fish
The Falkland Islands government has lobbied British MPs to ensure that their fishing industry continues to have access to EU markets after Brexit, with fishing accounting for 41% of the Islands’ economy.
Figures show that 94% of Falkland Islands fishing exports go to the European single market, the majority of which is squid sold to Spain. Fishing account for 41% of the Islands’ GDP and two thirds of corporation tax.
The Falkland Islands government said, “any material change that results in less beneficial import/export access could be potentially catastrophic for the Falkland Islands economy and people”, according to a report drawn up by the UK Overseas Territories Association.
The Independent reports that while not technically a member of the single market the Falkland Islands currently enjoys preferential access as a result of its status as a self-governing UK overseas territory and Britain’s membership. It pays no tariffs and is exempt from quotas.
Read the full story in The Independent: Brexit: Falkland Islands government sounds alarm on leaving single market
Read Sustain’s priorities for post-Brexit sustainable fishery policy
Published Monday 28 May 2018
Sustainable Fish: A campaign to protect precious marine environments and fishing livelihoods, and call for fish to be bought from sustainable sources. We want to show what can be done if people and organisations make a concerted effort to change their buying habits.