We'll now move to item 11, which is the second short debate this afternoon, and I call on Llyr Gruffydd to speak on the topic he has chosen. Llyr.

Thank you very much, and thank you for the opportunity to bring forward this short debate on the future of sea fishing in Wales, and I have agreed to give a minute of my time to Janet Finch-Saunders, who will contribute to this debate too.

Before we begin this debate on the future of the fishing industry in Wales, I would like to take a moment just to remember the three fishermen from north Wales who are still missing today, and to send our best wishes to the family. Allan Minard, Ross Ballantine and Carl McGrath, as well as their boat, Nicola Faith, disappeared in January off the north Wales coast, and I would like to extend my sincerest sympathies, as well as this Senedd's sympathies, to their family, and to note that we are thinking about them as they grieve. 

Wales, of course, has a long and proud history of sea fishing. The tradition goes back a number of millennia, with seafood having been a central part of the diet of people in this part of the world across those many centuries. Archaeological work shows piles of shellfish going back to the Mesolithic age in Prestatyn, and we know about the fish traps across the Welsh coasts, which can also be seen along the Menai Straits. So, fishing and seafood has played an important role in the development of Wales, and the sector continues to make an important contribution economically, environmentally, socially and culturally too. There are hundreds of small vessels under 10 metres fishing from Welsh ports, and making a living directly for thousands of people and families, and indirectly to thousands more. And these people working in the industry do see themselves as the stewards of our seas, and the wealth of food that our seas provide in Wales. Like farmers on land, these fishers recognise the sea beds, and how the seasons impact on those different areas. 

So, what's the future for this historic and important sector? Well, like all sectors, of course, they are facing numerous challenges, but there are three main challenges facing sea fishers in Wales, and these three challenges are facing broader society too. Namely, in the first instance, climate change. Brexit, of course, has brought challenges, as well as COVID-19. Climate change has meant that the seas have become far more stormy during the winter months. We are seeing far fiercer storms, and many more storms than we have perhaps been experiencing in the past, and this is a very real threat, particularly bearing in mind that the Welsh fleet relies on small vessels. 

Brexit means that one of our main markets that the sector's relied on over the past 40 years has changed overnight, as some species of fish which were exported daily, such as mussels, are prevented, as this state is no longer within the borders of the European Union. COVID-19 has brought the hospitality sector to a close, a sector which the industry is reliant on in selling its produce here at home, in the domestic market. So, those are some of the challenges facing the sector. 

The COVID threat is the most apparent in the short term. We often hear spokespeople on behalf of the Government declaring how the Welsh Government has provided more generous support to businesses here in Wales than any other Government in the UK, but that's not the view of the fishers that I've spoken to, those who feel that they have almost been ignored during this crisis. Now, there is one grant payment of up to £10,000 per vessel, which has been offered, based on the average fixed costs, and that's to be welcomed, of course it is, but that's all that's been available in a 12-month period. And it's true to say that the UK Government has contributed some millions of pounds recently to seafood exporters, but that shouldn't mean that the Welsh Government doesn't have its own responsibility to listen to the sector and to respond to what they hear from the sector in order to make sure that it doesn't contract as a result of the current crisis. 

The Scottish, Northern Irish and the Isle of Man Governments have provided additional support to the sector, but that's not the case here in Wales. So, I want to make one call in this afternoon's debate to ask the Welsh Government to provide additional support to this sector, particularly, of course, given the current circumstances, and I very much hope that the Minister can respond positively to that in her reply to this debate. 

And then, of course, there's the impact of Brexit. Historically, only two EU vessels would fish Welsh seas, although up to 10 had a right to do so. But under the single designation, or the single issuing authority of the UK rather, the suggestion is that up to 76 vessels will now have permission to fish in Welsh waters. Of course, this raises major questions on the sustainability of our sea fisheries on the one hand, never mind the possibility that the indigenous industry in Wales will be squeezed out of our seas even further. Is this really in keeping with the aims of the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015? Is it in keeping with the Environment (Wales) Act 2016? So, I want to hear this afternoon what steps the Welsh Government has taken to ensure that this doesn't happen. What discussions has the Government had with the Westminster Government to ensure that the voice of the industry in Wales is heard in the corridors of the UK Government?

We are all now aware of the mess that the UK Government has made in dealing with the shellfish industry. We don't need to rehearse that sad history, but it is having a detrimental impact on the viability of the sector here in Wales. Prior to Brexit, shellfish producers could export their produce to the Netherlands so that it could be prepared there for the main market, namely the nations of the European Union. Under the new regime, of course, that's not possible. As a result, one of the main markets of the sector has shrunk almost entirely, and that's happened overnight. We must, therefore, develop a new market for this produce, which contributes tens of millions of pounds to the Welsh economy every year and maintains thousands of jobs and the families of those working in the sector too. We must look to promote the produce in the domestic UK market, but to date there's no sign that the Government is taking the proactive additional steps necessary in order to deliver against that.

As part of that, we, of course, need to increase the ability to process. We must get more produce into pre-prepared foods and onto shelves on our doorstep here in Wales and in the wider UK. There is huge potential to develop this sector. Yes, the sector at the moment is relatively small, but, despite its scale, or perhaps because of that, Wales can lead the way and become an example of how sustainable fisheries can work in a way that works for the environment, but also works for the fishing industry. Because sustainable fisheries are crucial to the fishing industry and the sustainability of that industry. A report by the Wales Centre for Public Policy provides some ideas and provides us with a blueprint of how we can develop work and policy of Government in this area. But what work has been done by the Government itself to consider some of these proposals with the sector? And the report itself makes it clear that we must have collaboration with the sector if any plans are to succeed.

If I can conclude with one frightening statistic shared with me by the Welsh Fishermen's Association, the Welsh balance sheet would show that this sector is worth around £250 million to the economy, and the cultural and social value is far greater, of course, but it's difficult to reflect that on a balance sheet in a way that actually does justice to that contribution. But we should look beyond that stark figure, because it is estimated that some 83,000 tonnes of produce is landed from Welsh seas every year, but only 10 per cent of that—between 5,000 and 10,000 tonnes a year—are landed by Welsh fishers. Now, of course, I mentioned in another contribution yesterday in the Senedd how half of Welsh milk goes over the border to be processed, and how losing abattoirs has led, over the years, to more and more meat being processed outside of Wales. Well, our food economy is an extractive economy.

We can add seafood to that list now, of course. The Welsh economy is missing out on 90 per cent of the produce coming from Welsh seas. This highlights the huge potential that exists, of course, off our coastline to create a viable industry in Wales and to develop the contribution of that sector hugely. If the pledges made during the Brexit debate had been delivered and we had more control of our seas—and 'take back control' was the mantra, of course—then we could build a very different future. But that was a pipe dream, of course, and Boris Johnson's disastrous agreement made the situation much worse.

Rather than the pledge of reducing the number of fish taken by foreign vessels, while also ensuring that the indigenous sector had greater control of the seas—something that would have been better for our marine environment and for the Welsh economy—what we have, of course, is a situation that will lead to damaging the marine ecology of Wales and undermine our economy, and I don't feel that the Welsh Government has responded sufficiently to that situation, or has shown enough desire or ambition to do anything constructive about that, and that is why I have brought this short debate before the Senedd this afternoon. It's an opportunity for the Minister and the Government to show the ambition that the sector is so keen to hear, and, of course, that ambition that is so necessary to ensure that the sector does actually survive. We need to invest in the sector, to create infrastructure for processing and to build a new domestic market, as well as resolving the problems that will ensure that there is access to foreign markets in the future. Even without the climate crisis and without Brexit or COVID-19, there would be a strong case for this Government to turn over every stone possible to create a more sustainable future for our sea fishing sector here in Wales. So, rather than being willing to see that wealth flow out of Wales, we need to ensure that the tide has turned and that wealth flows back into our communities. Thank you.

Thank you to Llyr for bringing this short debate forward on such an important issue. And I would like to echo his very kind sentiments and condolences to Carl, Alan and Ross, their families, in terms of the very sad and tragic circumstances. And in close working with the family now, we need to find out exactly what happened on that dreadful day that they went missing.

Now, Minister, you may be aware that, under the proposed bylaws put out for consultation by Britain's Marine Management Organisation, bottom trawling, which involves weighted nets being dragged over the seabed, would be prohibited in four English marine protected areas. It is considered that such action sets a precedent now for the devolved administrations. So, what discussions have you had around limiting or banning bottom trawling off Wales?

And turning to shellfish, whilst I'm sure you will all join with me in welcoming the news that the UK Government has expanded the eligibility criteria for the £23 million fund to target catching and shellfish aquaculture businesses, within the industry, they do feel there are steps the Welsh Government can take to tackle the crux of the dilemma. Will you explore whether a review of water classifications can be undertaken so as to establish if areas can be classified as 'A'? Because it's regrettable that, in the Menai strait, those waters were 'A' and now they're 'B', and so they need purification. What plans have you got for developing purification capability here in Wales? I'll speak to you again outside this debate, but there are some proposals coming forward from a company that wants to go forward, working with you, about having a purification unit. I'd like to think that the Welsh Government could work with the UK Government on the latter point as well, especially as the UK fishing and seafood sector is also set to benefit from significant Government investment, with a £100 million fund to help, for example, with modernising the fish processing industry.

As a keen Brexit supporter, I believe that we are well placed now to actually take the benefits of Brexit and move forward collectively with the Welsh Government and the UK Government. Thank you and thank you, Llyr.

Thank you. I call on the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths.

Thank you, Deputy Presiding Officer, and thank you, Llyr, for bringing this topic for short debate today. And I too, again, would like to send my thoughts to the families of the crew of the Nicola Faith at this very difficult time.

In talking about the future of the sea fishing industry, it is impossible to ignore the current issues facing the sector. Our seafood industry has been severely hit on a number of levels as a consequence of us leaving the European Union. Impacts are being felt across the whole supply chain in Wales, and I am pleased the UK Government has now finally listened to my repeated demands to ensure the whole of the sector receives financial support. It is regretful it's taken six weeks since I first wrote and met with the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs for him to take action. My hope is this support gets through to businesses in need before it's too late.

It is also a matter of regret the UK Government shows no respect for the devolution settlement in choosing to directly administer the scheme rather than funding in the usual way, with relevant consequentials for devolved administrations. As demonstrated by our Welsh fisheries grant, we know we are able to administer funds to fishers quickly, efficiently and effectively. The UK Government must now do the same or Welsh fishers could face further hardships, driven by delay and ineptitude.

I reiterated on Monday evening, in a meeting with George Eustice, that he appears to now be determined to erode years of good collaborative ways of working between all fisheries administrations in the way it's reacted to the fallout of the trade and co-operation agreement since the beginning of this year. The Welsh Government is supporting the industry and working with the other administrations to find solutions, where possible, to the current issues. However, the TCA falls far short of what the UK Government promised, but we are seeking to make the best of it and maximise opportunities for our fishers. I've been very clear with the Secretary of State that it's essential Welsh fishers receive their fair share of the modest additional quota delivered by the TCA. 

We continue to respond to the immediate needs of the industry, and whilst it is clear the UK Government has failed on every level to deliver on its many promises to our fishers of a sea of opportunities for the industry, we can in Wales develop a bright future for the industry—one that is ecosystems based, has sustainability at its core, and is based on an adaptive management approach, co-designed with the industry.

We are committed to delivering a post-EU fisheries policy for Wales, designed with stakeholders to reflect the needs of the modern Welsh fisheries sector, and to manage the impact on the environment. At the centre of this will be a fisheries policy recognising the need to extract more benefit for our coastal communities, whilst ensuring our stocks can continue to provide benefits for future generations, building resilience now and for the future. We must look to the future, not only to maximise opportunities and manage our stocks sustainably, but also to build strength and resilience in our industry and the markets available to them. This is more important as ever, as we help the industry to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as exiting the EU. 

I issued a written statement in September last year, and the outcomes and views raised from the 'Brexit and our Seas' consultation still remain as valid and important as ever. These include managing our fisheries in a sustainable way, providing for a thriving fishing industry, as well as maintaining the biodiversity of our seas and taking into account the impacts of climate change. Also clear is the need to make decisions based on sound evidence. In addition to well-managed fisheries, we also need to look at what infrastructure is needed to support our industry and help improve access to markets for our wonderful Welsh seafood, both here in the UK and internationally. Given the issues the industry's experiencing right now, this is more important than ever to protect and build resilience for our industry in the long term.

As we move forward with the next steps of our future fisheries policy, as I've already said, co-production with stakeholders will be a core principle. I am keen we ensure all interested parties have the opportunity to help shape the future we want for our Welsh fishing industry and, importantly, how we achieve it. At the UK level, a joint fisheries statement will set out policies for achieving or contributing to the achievement of the fisheries objectives as outlined in the Fisheries Act 2020. We are committed to delivering the objectives—they are cornerstones of modern fisheries management. They place sustainability front and centre, and, coupled with our Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015, give us a clear direction of travel for the sustainable management of our fisheries. The JFS will also set out our intended use of fisheries management plans, an important tool in delivering the objectives. It is by balancing all objectives that we will achieve long-term sustainability. Reflecting our commitment to work closely with stakeholders on the JFS, a UK-wide community of interest has been established, and I welcome the positive take-up of Welsh stakeholders to date to help inform the development of the statement. 

We've taken the first steps towards a future fisheries policy for Wales, but I want to be clear: this is not a quick fix; it is not a policy that can be developed overnight. It will take time and effort to get to where we want our sector to become, and we need to be clear that our focus now has to be now on the twin crisis of COVID-19 and EU exit. But the future, obviously, of fishing in Wales is positive, and we have the opportunity to develop our sector into one that is thriving, sustainable and supports our costal communities. Diolch.

Thank you very much. And that brings today's proceedings to a close. Thank you very much. Thanks.

The meeting ended at 17:59.