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UK Secures Balanced Fisheries Deal

   

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Ref: 397/08
Date: 19 December 2008

UK Fisheries Minister Huw Irranca-Davies welcomed a European Union agreement today that will see British fishermen gain vital quota increases while taking action to protect stocks and cut waste.

Fishermen secured bigger hauls of some types of fish and suffered a smaller than feared cut in prawn quotas, while in the important West of Scotland fishing grounds the UK successfully resisted cuts to the livelihoods of fishing communities while fishermen there will face challenging new conservation measures.

Increased catch limits for British fishermen in 2009 include:

  • 30 per cent more North Sea cod;
  • 32 per cent more mackerel;
  • 13 per cent more North Sea plaice; and
  • 8 per cent more monkfish for West of Scotland.

Mr Irranca-Davies said:

“This is a fair deal overall for the UK, balancing the needs of our fishermen to make a living with the need to protect fish stocks for the future and prevent huge amounts of what they catch having to be thrown back dead into the sea.

“Ports all over Britain will benefit, including Northern Ireland where vital prawn stocks will be safeguarded and we exercised our right to secure extra haddock and whiting for North Sea fishermen.

“I believe the measures agreed today are a significant step towards a more effective Common Fisheries Policy in future, one in which the industry and consumers can have greater confidence.

“I want to thank my fellow Ministers from the devolved administrations and their officials, as well as Defra officials. Everyone worked together for a fair deal that safeguards fish stocks, maintains a sustainable fishing industry and protects the marine environment.”

Notes to editors

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Page published: 19 December 2008