For many British fishermen, the hope that Brexit would bring them back control over their waters and boost their industry has turned into deep frustration.
Instead of the fresh start many expected, a new 12-year agreement allowing European fishing fleets to operate in British waters has been slammed as a “disaster” and a “raw deal.”
The promise of reclaiming British fishing rights now feels like a missed opportunity, leaving many fishermen feeling ignored and undervalued.
What the New Fishing Deal Means
The deal, which extends access for EU trawlers to fish in UK waters for the next 12 years, builds on a previous agreement made right after Brexit in 2020.
However, fishermen say that despite years passing, very little has changed on the ground to benefit the British industry.
Instead of annual negotiations over fishing quotas — which had been Britain’s strongest bargaining chip — this long-term arrangement locks in the status quo.
Mike Cohen, head of the National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations, put it bluntly: the UK handed over a valuable negotiating tool to the EU without getting much in return.
He described the situation as “deeply disappointing” and warned the deal limits smaller inshore boats from fishing further out, where EU trawlers will continue to dominate.
Fishermen Speak Out Across Britain
Voices from fishing communities are full of anger and disillusionment.
In Brixham, Devon, Mike Sharpe, who has been in the business for over 40 years, called the deal “useless” and “predictable.”
Mark Bolton, a skipper from the same area, pointed out how the promises made during Brexit to regain control have not materialized, leaving British fishermen with “the raw deal.”
Down the coast in Dorset, Tony Heinemann described the arrangement as “the final nail in the coffin.”
He painted a grim picture of fishermen being used as pawns in bigger political games, with EU fleets profiting while British crews struggle to keep afloat.
He also highlighted frustrations over inconsistent enforcement, claiming British fishermen follow strict rules while some EU boats do not.
The Impact Reaches All the Way to Grimsby
Even in Grimsby, once one of the world’s leading fishing ports, the mood was weary.
The town’s fishing fleet has all but vanished, replaced by fish imported from Norway and Iceland.
Locals like Patrick Salmon see the deal as selling off one of Britain’s last true national assets.
Kevin Gaiger echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the loss of local crews and vessels, making the rights to fish in UK waters feel meaningless.
Andrew Kay summed up the feeling of finality: the industry has changed irrevocably, with fishing fleets moving north and the East Coast’s once-thriving industry now almost gone.
Potential conflicts between Scottish and French vessels could be on the horizon as tensions simmer.
Political Reactions and Industry Concerns
Despite the outcry from fishermen, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer defended the deal, saying it would bring stability and help British fishers access the lucrative European market, which currently takes 70% of UK fish exports.
He insisted the deal would not increase EU fishing catches in British waters.
Yet critics argue that locking in fishing quotas for 12 years removes flexibility and could create future problems — such as disputes over offshore developments like wind farms.
Cohen warned the government may face unintended consequences from handing over so much control without room for annual adjustments.
Scottish Fishing Industry Voices Strong Opposition
Scottish fishermen were especially vocal in their condemnation.
Elspeth Macdonald, chief of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, called the agreement a “horror show” and accused the Labour government of betraying coastal communities to secure other political aims.
James Anderson from Shetland lamented that unlike countries like Norway or Iceland, the UK is failing to protect its own fishing fleet and waters.
Scottish Conservatives also slammed the deal, with spokesperson Tim Eagle saying the government had “totally capitulated” to EU demands.
Environmental Perspectives and What Lies Ahead
On the environmental side, Phil Taylor from the marine charity Open Seas stressed that both the UK and EU still need to clarify how the deal will safeguard marine life and what fishing conditions will be enforced.
Meanwhile, fishermen remain uncertain about the future.
Many fear fish stocks will continue to decline under EU access, pushing the industry closer to collapse.
The sense among British crews is one of missed chances and growing skepticism toward politicians who promise support but fail to deliver.