PRESS RELEASE : Fisheries talks conclude between UK, EU and Norway [December 2022]
The press release issued by the Scottish Government on 10 December 2022.
UK, EU and Norway deal agreed.
Trilateral fisheries negotiations between UK, EU and Norway have concluded, with the deal including increased quotas for most North Sea stocks.
The agreement sets out Total Allowable Catches (TACs) and management measures for North Sea cod, haddock, whiting, saithe, plaice and herring.
The deal reflects the advice of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which has been able to recommend increased catch sizes following action to improve North Sea stocks.
Negotiations on catch limits with coastal States in the North East Atlantic on mackerel, blue whiting, and Atlanto-Scandian herring have also concluded.
The agreement also underlines the importance of continuing discussions in early 2023 to agree new comprehensive sharing arrangements for these stocks.
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
“It is good to see the action that has been taken to protect North Sea stocks in recent years paying off, leading the way to increased access for Scotland’s fishers.
“These stocks are of key commercial importance to Scotland and the increase in cod is a result of Scottish fishers’ efforts on recovery.
“The success of those efforts is reflected in the latest scientific advice, which has permitted significantly greater catches than last year.
“That is good news for Scotland’s fishers, who will have access to considerably greater whitefish quotas this year, with a positive economic effect for our fishing communities.”
