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19-21 Broad Street | St Helier Jersey | JE2 4WE
Connétable Mike Jackson Chairman
EH&I Scrutiny Panel
BY EMAIL
5 February 2021
Dear Mike
Re: UK/EU TECA Scrutiny Review - Letter from the Chairman of the EH&I Panel
Thank you for your letter dated 27 January 2021 concerning fisheries, the TCA (UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement'), and, specifically, the provision of support to the industry.
As you rightly point out, economic support for any industry falls under the remits of the Minister for Economic Development, Tourism, Sport and Culture and Minister for Treasury and Resources, although I am committed to ensuring that we provide appropriate support for the fishing industry, including exporters and aquaculture.
With regard to a Government post to support the industry, there is not a specific role under consideration but rather work is underway to address the needs of the Industry within existing teams.
Officers have been instructed to prepare a business case to ensure that our regulatory services - Veterinary, Marine Resources and Environmental Health - have the appropriate resources to deliver under the new arrangements outlined within the TCA.
In terms of short-term support, Ministers are aware of the need to address the immediate issues following Jersey's inclusion in the TCA. Officers are working with various sector representatives from the industry (including fishermen, aquaculture, exporters) to define what form this support should take. As you will be aware, each sector has different arrangements in place and therefore different support requirements. It is hoped that this work will be concluded very soon and considered by Ministers.
To address the longer-term needs, Ministers are working with the industry to prepare a report which will set out the future requirements of the fishing sector. Once that report is received, the recommendations will be put forward for consideration. It is intended that the report will study issues including markets, processing, infrastructure, sustainability certification, and industry structure.
I should add that we are cognisant of the unprecedented economic situation as a result of the pandemic and the extensive support packages which Government have already put in place. In addition to these, I, and other Ministers, remain committed to supporting this important sector of our local economy.
I hope this letter is of assistance to the Panel's review. Yours sincerely
Deputy John Young Minister for the Environment D +44 (0)1534 440540
E j.young@gov.je