Fishing (Access to Territorial Waters) Bill

A Bill to restrict the rights of vessels not registered in the United Kingdom to fish in territorial waters; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Sponsor

Sir Christopher ChopeConservative

Last Updated

7 December 2018

In Plain English

AI-generated

If enacted, the Fishing (Access to Territorial Waters) Bill would prevent vessels not registered in the UK from fishing in the UK’s territorial waters. It bases access on vessel registration and includes related provisions to enable the restriction and its enforcement.

Key Points

Restricts fishing in UK territorial waters to UK-registered vessels, excluding non-UK-registered vessels.
Access is determined by vessel registration, with provisions to implement and enforce the restriction.
Could affect foreign fishing boats and UK fishing communities that rely on access to territorial waters for fishing.

Who is affected?

Vessels not registered in the UK (foreign fishing vessels) and their crewsUK-registered fishing vessel owners and crewsUK fishing industry and coastal communities that rely on territorial waters for fishing

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

News - Fishing (Access to Territorial Waters)

1 Jan 1970

The Bill failed to complete its passage through Parliament before the end of the session. This means the Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Fishing (Access to Territorial Waters) Bill | TrackPolitics