The launch follows the formal endorsement of the Guidelines by Minister for Digital Economy Baroness Liz Lloyd at the RUSI Whitehall Briefing on Subsea Cable Resilience, where she highlighted the importance of partnership between the fishing and subsea cable sectors in protecting critical national infrastructure and supporting safe use of shared marine space.

Developed through extensive engagement between cable operators, fisheries representatives and public bodies, the guideline establishes a framework for early engagement, transparent communication and practical cooperation between sectors operating in shared seas.

Joint industry workshops held in York and Cardiff played an important role in developing the guideline, bringing together representatives from across the fishing and subsea cable sectors to share knowledge, experience and practical perspectives from operating in shared marine space.

As demand grows for subsea infrastructure that supports communications and clean energy, alongside the continued importance of sustainable food production, the guideline recognises the need for constructive coexistence between sectors that are all vital to the UK economy and European connectivity.

The document supports improved understanding and engagement throughout the lifecycle of subsea cable projects, helping to minimise disruption to fishing activity while enabling the continued development of critical national infrastructure. The guideline emphasises early dialogue, open information sharing and agreed good practice throughout all stages of cable projects.

Speaking at a Whitehall Briefing on Subsea Cable Resilience last week, Minister for Digital Economy Baroness Liz Lloyd formally endorsed the Guidelines, saying:

“I am proud today to formally endorse the European Subsea Cables Association’s new Fishing Liaison Guidelines.

Developed in close partnership between government, industry, and the fishing sector, these guidelines offer a practical blueprint for how two of our vital maritime industries can operate safely alongside one another – sharing information and protecting the ocean floor.”

Steve Holden, Chair of ESCA, said:

“The subsea cables sector and fishing community share a long history. The first telegraph cable installed across the Channel in 1850 was famously pulled up by a fisherman who, according to legend, declared it ‘golden seaweed’, and since then the two sectors have worked side by side to minimise any common issues and concerns. As activity and development at sea has increased, pressures on both fishing activity and cable routing have also grown, meaning we all need to look more closely at how we engage and work together.

While this may appear to be simply a document, it represents years of dialogue, experience at sea and knowledge exchange from all sides. Its publication is only the first step — the real value now comes from everyone involved picking it up, using it, and continuing to build positive working relationships at sea.”

Mohammad Fahim Hashimi, Offshore Energy Policy Manager at the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF), said:

“The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) is pleased to have been involved from the outset in the drafting of the ESCA Fishing Liaison Best Practice Guidelines for Linear Subsea Cables. We look forward to these guidelines supporting early, constructive, and meaningful engagement between linear subsea cable owners and the fishing industry. SFF considers that effective implementation of these guidelines will play an important role in helping to avoid, minimise, and mitigate the impacts of linear subsea cables on fishing activities and, where impacts cannot be fully avoided, appropriate compensation is considered as a last resort for affected fishers.”

Fisheries Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Our fishing communities and the cable industry are both vital to Britain's future, one underpinning our food security and coastal livelihoods, the other the digital infrastructure our economy depends on. That’s why I warmly welcome these practical, industry-led guidelines from the European Subsea Cables Association, developed in genuine partnership with both sectors to tackle the real challenges they face and helping to build the collaborative relationships both industries need to thrive.”

CEO of the NFFO Mike Cohen said:

“The ESCA Guidelines have been developed from an initial perspective of understanding and exchanging knowledge of both sectors’ needs and practices. The collaborative approach taken, with the NFFO and other fisheries stakeholders being involved with drafting the guidelines, is essential in ensuring they are fit for purpose and practical use. The rapid scale of change in our seas, through increasing development, makes best practice liaison essential. We must ensure that both sectors can work collaboratively in making use of the sea with minimal disruption to either party. We look forward to the wide uptake of the guidelines to ensure early, meaningful, and collaborative liaison between sectors as projects are considered and developed.”

The guideline reflects a shared commitment from industry, government and the fishing sector to support the continued development of critical subsea infrastructure while protecting sustainable fishing activity through partnership, mutual understanding and practical cooperation.

For more information about ESCA and the Fishing Liaison Best Practice Guidelines for Linear Subsea Cables, visit https://www.escaeu.org/guidelines/