Quotas increase for North Sea cod and haddock
The UK government has secured ‘significant’ quota increases for key fish stocks at this year’s annual EU negotiations.
The increased quotas include North Sea cod (+10%), haddock (+23%), and monkfish (+20%). Stocks of cod and haddock are now accredited as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
Challenges remain in some areas, for example in the Celtic Sea to revive stock of haddock and megrim. Quotas increased, however, for Western skates and rays, Bristol Channel plaice, sole and Celtic sea cod.
A further package of measures has been agreed on sea bass in an attempt to reverse the decline around the English coast.
Speaking after the negotiations in Brussels, fisheries minister George Eustice said: “The UK has long championed sustainable fishing and that is starting to yield results in some areas with a recovery in key stocks and increased quota as a result.
“Challenges remain in areas like the Celtic sea and on iconic species such as bass so further restrictions have been needed. As we prepare to leave the EU, we will place science-based fisheries management at the heart of future policy.”
Image (C) Finlay Fraser
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