The UK, Norway, and EU Sign Agreement on North Sea Fishing Limits
The UK, EU, and Norway have finally signed a trilateral agreement on fishing catch limits, which includes catching limits for 2022 as well as environmental and sustainability goals. Come read our blog to learn more.
Brexit has been a bumpy road so far. In part, that’s because the EU is deliberately trying to make it difficult for the UK, to prevent other member states from following the UK’s decision. The North Sea Fishing Catch Limits also caused some complications, which the UK, Norway, and the EU have now come to an agreement on. The UK chaired the negotiations, which took place in Edinburgh and London.
£190 Million for the UK Fishing Industry
The signed agreement includes catching limits for 2022 for six jointly managed fish stocks in the North Sea, namely North Sea cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, herring, and saithe. The agreement aims to achieve several goals.
First, it established plans for distributing and managing shared stocks such as hake, which are important for the UK fishing sector. The parties have agreed to catch levels for 2022 that provide fishing opportunities worth around £190 million to the UK fishing industry.
Second, the agreement also focuses on environmental and sustainability goals. Catch limits are essential to avoid overfishing, which could put certain species in danger. UK Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis said, “we are confident that this agreement has struck a balance that will benefit both our fishing industry and ensure our marine environment is healthy and viable long into the future.”
Catch Levels for 2022
The catch levels agreed for 2022 are:
● Cod rollover
● Haddock +5%
● Herring +20%
● Plaice -12%
● Saithe -24%
● Whiting +25%
The numbers are in relation to the 2021 levels.
The tonnage limits for North Sea cod haven’t changed, based on the published ICES advice. The reason for that decision was that data showed that fishing mortality in 2021 was lower than the published ICES advice. Hence, by keeping the catching limits the same, the stock size of cod should increase in 2022.
More Negotiations Underway
The agreement marks the conclusion in a series of annual fisheries negotiations. Other negotiations are also underway, and the UK will negotiate with Norway and the Faroes Islands about quotas and access arrangements for 2022. There will also be a consultation with the EU about TACs and management measures for certain stocks.
Catch Limits Matter
Catch limits matter and produce results. There has been a substantial increase in several North Sea stocks, such as whiting and haddock, which showed an expansion in their biomass. The UK, Norway, and the EU agreed to moderate increases in catching limits to promote the health of all stocks in the fishery.
Solving these disputes is also a step forward in the muted relationship between the EU and the UK following Brexit. It’s best for everyone involved if trade continues.
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