Alongside a broader UK target of net zero by 2050, the post-Brexit UK Fisheries Act was introduced in 2020 which set out a clear objective to address the climate impact of fisheries.
A new report from the University of Hull - 'Electrifying the Fleet' - has found that although technology exists for fishers to switch to a more efficient and sustainable system, current licensing systems which encourage the use of short, wide, fuel-inefficient boats are preventing the sector from using greener vessels.
Dr Magnus Johnson, senior lecturer at the University of Hull and lead author of the report, said: “Every sector has a role to play in transitioning to net zero, including the UK’s fishing fleet. Powering the UK's fishing fleet currently relies heavily on fossil fuel. Our report presents new findings and a route forward to decarbonise the sector.
“We visited three areas with very different fleet characteristics, Devon, Yorkshire and Orkney, concentrating...