The UK government has announced the outcome of its fishing negotiations with the EU and Norway.
The trilateral deal with the EU and Norway has secured over 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth up to £310m based on historic landing prices.
The deal agreed catch limits on six fish stocks including cod, haddock and herring in the North Sea and other waters around the UK.
Cod, haddock and herring all saw quotas decline by 20%, 5% and 24% respectively.
Plaice, saithe and whiting have all seen quotas increase, by 14%, 7% and 46% respectively.
“This government will always stand up for the British fishing industry, which is the lifeblood of so many communities around our coastline,” said Daniel Zeichner, fisheries minister. “That’s why I’m pleased to have secured a deal providing the UK fleet quota for stocks including cod and haddock worth up to £310m, while maintaining sustainable levels of stocks for the long-term health of our industry.”
The opportunities secured by the UK would support a sustainable and economically successful fishing sector and the agreement, the government said. It added the agreement also highlights all parties’ continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks.
The deal was agreed based on advice from scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, and where possible catch limits have been set at or below these advised levels.
The agreement comes following concerns from the fishing industry that the slashed cod quota in the Barents Sea could encourage cod prices to hit their highest levels ever.
Next year’s allowable catch for Barents Sea North East Arctic cod has been reduced by 25% to 340,000 tonnes, in light of declining stocks.
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