UK reaches agreement on North Sea fishing opportunities for 2025
The UK has reached an agreement with the EU and Norway on fishing opportunities in the North Sea and surrounding waters for 2025
- The UK fishing industry is set to benefit from nearly 300,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities in the North Sea and surrounding waters for 2025.
- Agreement with the EU and Norway to secure UK quotas worth up to £310 million on stocks including cod, haddock and herring.
- The agreement highlights all parties’ continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks.
The UK Government has announced the outcome of its fishing negotiations with the EU and Norway today (4 December), securing fishing opportunities to North Sea stocks including cod, haddock and herring for the UK fleet.
A trilateral deal with the EU and Norway has secured UK fisheries over 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth up to £310 million 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.
Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner said:
"This government will always stand up for the British fishing industry, which is the lifeblood of so many communities around our coastline.
"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 £310 million, while maintaining sustainable levels of stocks for the long-term health of our industry."
The opportunities secured by the UK will support a sustainable and economically successful fishing sector, which in turn will back coastal communities by providing local jobs and boost economic growth.
The agreement also highlights all parties’ continued commitment to ensure the long-term sustainability of shared stocks.
Sustainability is at the heart of the UK’s approach to negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best available science to protect key stocks and support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry.
Advice from scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is the starting point for the UK’s approach and, where possible, catch limits have been set at or below these advised levels. Economic and social considerations are appropriately balanced alongside this scientific advice.
The outcome of annual fisheries negotiations will be published in the Secretary of State determination of fishing opportunities for British boats by the end of the year.
From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs and Daniel Zeichner MP