Have been looking into this scheme - really can't see an issue with it at all:?
Not that I am one to defend the Tory government, but what is wrong with tracking catch information? Gathering better data to help model stocks is something we have been trying to improve for decades, helping to set better quotas and promote sustainable levels of fishing.
This app should also help to reduce incidences of deliberate catch under-reporting and illegal fishing - don't see a problem with it at all.
It's not unnecessary red tape - it's another example of the UK fishing policies, with respect to sustainability, exceeding EU regulations. There are many other similar schemes undergoing implementation, such as better vessel monitoring and onboard cctv.
Did a bit of digging, and it's very interesting that the New European has reported this with glee - quoting one small fishing organization to try and make its point. Not that they have an agenda...
Fishermen fear their ‘Brexit bonus’ will not materialise after new rules from regulator
A new tracking app for traditional fishermen could prevent them from enjoying their much-heralded 'Brexit bonus'.www.theneweuropean.co.uk
Plus, to be honest, 10% is a pretty decent margin of error when estimating fish weights - when I used to do it for a living, if I had been wrong by more than 10%, I would have been sacked on the spot.
Consultation on the introduction of catch recording for licensed fishing vessels under 10 metres in length - Defra - Citizen Space
This site contains consultations that are run by Defra.
consult.defra.gov.uk
A few concerns, but most of those have been addressed during the consultation phase. Certainly not the doom and gloom portrayed by the New European et al. Indeed, I am disappointed in the shadow minister trying to score political points when this program is actually intended to be beneficial for sustainable fishing and the environment.
If the government and MMO didn't introduce such schemes, I am pretty sure they would be criticised for not caring for the environment.
The new Fisheries Bill presently being introduced seems to be a pretty solid piece of legislation that has a strong slant towards sustainability and the environment. Can never fully trust a Tory government, of course, but so far so good.
Brexit: Fisheries Bill to enshrine sustainability in law
The government says the Fisheries Bill gives the UK power to operate as an independent coastal state.
www.bbc.com
Away from the tit-for-tat and soundbites of Brexit politics, the civil servants of the MMO seem to be full of good ideas.