There will be virtually nothing left to fish from the seas by the middle of the century if current trends continue, according to a major scientific study.

Stocks have collapsed in nearly one-third of sea fisheries, and the rate of decline is accelerating.

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"Britain has to protect its fishing industry, despite warnings stocks could be virtually wiped out by 2048, the UK fisheries minister has said.

Ben Bradshaw said the warning, issued by scientists on Thursday, represented the biggest global environment challenge after global warming.

But he ruled out a complete ban on cod fishing, saying a "zero catch" would see "the end of all fishing in the UK".

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