6-12 mile limit

The European Union's Common Fisheries Policy takes precedence in all fisheries management, and in most European waters (and distant waters elsewhere), only the European Commission may bring forward regulatory proposals. However, a derogation from this later rule applies to territorial waters out to 12 nautical miles from a baseline near the shore. In this zone, nations may set their own rules. Other nation's vessels are often excluded from the 0-6 mile band. However, in most cases those nations that have traditionally fished within the 6-12 mile band have been allowed to continue. Nearshore management in the UK has been devolved away from Whitehall to more local levels – a process that has allowed more sensitivity to local conditions and needs. We support the continuation (and in some cases, enhancement) of these arrangements.