To report this consultation and the proposed Committee response

1.1 The full consultation paper is provided at Annex A. The purpose of the paper is to invite comments on Defra’s proposals for a long term vision for the fisheries sector in 20 years time. The deadline for comments is 24 April.

2.1 This paper sets out general principles which the Committee would not disagree with. As such a detailed response is not considered necessary. Therefore we propose that the Committee responds as at Annex B by welcoming the initiative from Defra and looking forward to working with Defra to bring the vision to reality.

2.2 If members have further comments which they wish to include in the response, please give them to the Office by the end of March.