This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Mixed outcome at fisheries talks
01/12/2006
European fisheries negotiations with Norway concluded today with a 14 per cent cut in cod but an increase in haddock available to Euorpe's fishing fleets.
The deal agreed in Brussels follows agreement in October for an increase in the total allowable catch for mackerel.
Fisheries Minister Ross Finnie said:
"While there is some good news in today's agreement this result will not be welcomed by either our whitefish or pelagic fleets. The decision on cod is particularly disappointing. On the basis of the science and sensible management of the fishery we had argued for a roll-over.
"The decision on north sea haddock builds in some much-needed stability for the Scottish whitefish fleet as well as a modest TAC increase for next year.
"The disappointing news on cod reinforces our determination to secure pragmatic arrangements on days at sea at the December Council. We are determined to secure a deal which allows the industry to utilise quota sensibly whilst meeting our commitment to cod conservation."
In parallel to EU Fisheries Council in December of Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and management arrangements for fish stocks, the EU seeks to finalise its annual agreement with Norway, on the TACs for jointly managed stocks in the North Sea, including cod and the reciprocal exchange of fishing opportunities for the following year.
Similar, less significant agreements are signed with Iceland, Greenland and Faroe Islands.
The conclusion of the EU-Norway talks sees the end of the bulk of external fisheries negotiations which started with the agreement in Edinburgh at the end of October for a 13 per cent increase in the mackerel quota. The only outstanding external talks are the bilateral between the EU and Norway on Atlanto-Scandian Herring.
The results of these talks have still to be ratified at the December Council which will also cover days at sea for whitefish vessels and TACs for Nephrops (Scottish Langoustine), Monkfish and West of Scotland Herring. An initial proposal from the Commission is expected on December 6.
Today's agreement covered:
- Improved management arrangements for North Sea Haddock to build in long term stability in this fishery through a 15 per cent TAC variation clause
- 5.4 per cent rise in North Sea Haddock TAC reflecting an improved state of the stock - the final UK share still to be decided at December Council
- 14 per cent reduction in North Sea Cod TAC, against a Commission starting position of 25 per cent
- 25 per cent reduction in North Sea Herring TAC, necessary to conserve the stock for future years and agreed to by the Scottish industry in the Pelagic Regional Advisory Council.
- Status quo for whiting and saithe TACs, preventing further 'salami slicing' of other whitefish fishing opportunities
- An 8 per cent reduction in transfers of blue-whiting out of the EU to Norway