Conservationists take UK to court for ‘illegally squandering’ fish stocks

Blue Marine Foundation is challenging government for ignoring scientific advice on limits and giving a green light to overfishing

The UK government’s decision to set catch limits for fish populations above those recommended by scientific advice is to be challenged in the courts by marine conservationists who accuse ministers of breaking their own post-Brexit rules.

The legal challenge, expected to start in January, will argue that the government is “illegally squandering” a public asset and going against laws aimed at improving sustainable fishing.