The UK Government announced the results of its fishing negotiations with the EU and Norway, successfully securing fishing opportunities for the UK’s fleet in North Sea stocks.
This deal, valued at up to £310 million based on historical landing prices, has secured the UK fisheries more than 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, alongside various other stocks in UK waters.
‘Stand Up for British Fishing’
Fisheries Minister Daniel Zeichner commented on the agreement, stating: “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 government emphasized that sustainability was the core of the UK’s negotiation strategy, advocating for decisions based on the best available science to preserve key stocks and support the long-term viability of the fishing industry.
Scientifically Led
Therefore, catch limits have been set at or below the levels recommended by scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. A detailed breakdown of stocks follows below.
The outcomes from annual fisheries negotiations will be published in the Secretary of State’s determination of fishing opportunities for British vessels by the end of the year. Ongoing discussions regarding bilateral agreements with the EU, Norway, and the Faroe Islands continue.
Meanwhile, growing concerns arise surrounding the potential impact of President-elect Donald Trump on global trade, as he threatens substantial tariffs on BRICS nations and a 10-20% tax on other regions, including the EU and the UK.
Quotas Agreed with the EU and Norway
Cod – The total allowable catch (TAC) for Northern Shelf cod is set at 25,028 tonnes, representing a 20% reduction from 2024 levels.
- North Sea cod: 9,419 tonnes
- West of Scotland cod: 905 tonnes
- Eastern Channel cod: 107 tonnes
Haddock – The TAC is 112,435 tonnes, down 5% from 2024 levels.
- North Sea haddock: 62,128 tonnes
- West of Scotland haddock: 8,610 tonnes
Herring – The TAC for the herring A fleet stands at 388,542 tonnes, a 24% decrease compared to 2024 levels. The other fleets’ levels were agreed as follows: B fleet – 7,716 tonnes; C fleet – 22,793 tonnes; D fleet – 6,659 tonnes.
- North Sea herring: 75,345 tonnes
- Southern North Sea and Eastern Channel herring: 5,278 tonnes
- North Sea herring (bycatch): 140 tonnes
Plaice – The TAC is 176,593 tonnes, marking a 14% increase from 2024 levels. This TAC will be shared between the two plaice management areas.
- North Sea plaice: 41,228 tonnes
Saithe – The TAC is 79,071 tonnes, reflecting a 7% rise from 2024 levels. Like plaice, this TAC is divided among two management areas.
- North Sea saithe: 8,940 tonnes
- West of Scotland saithe: 3,791 tonnes
Whiting – The TAC has reached 139,425 tonnes, a significant 46% increase compared to 2024 levels, and will also be shared between two management areas.
- North Sea whiting: 74,030 tonnes
- Whiting 7d: 3,106 tonnes
