26 November 2007

FISHERMEN can look forward to an increased quota for cod next year after the EU-Norway fishing negotiations resulted in an 11 per cent increase for the species.

The talks between the EU and its Scandinavian neighbour usually give a clear indication of the direction the end of the year EU fisheries talks are set to go.

Speaking from Brussels last night, the Scottish fisheries secretary Richard Lochhead said: "The 11 per cent increase in the cod quota for which the Scottish Government and our fishermen have worked hard all summer is a significant step forward.

“Without this increase, good quality cod would simply continue to be thrown overboard dead. However, we must continue to build on innovative measures such as voluntary real time closures to protect juvenile stocks.

"This breakthrough – the first increase in a decade – is the first tangible evidence that the tide is finally turning for North Sea cod thanks to the industry's enormous and painful sacrifice to conserve stocks.

"The fortunes of our other key stocks remain mixed. Haddock continues to be harvested sustainably and the reduction agreed largely reflects the ongoing management plan. Moreover, given that the haddock quota is likely to be underfished in 2007 there should not be any reduction in actual landings next year.

"The science for North Sea herring suggested a significant decrease for next year's quota and this is what has been agreed although not as great as first feared.

“Whilst the pelagic fleet will be disappointed, we should remember that it is mackerel rather than herring that provide their main income.”

He added: "The Scottish Government is working in partnership with our industry in Brussels to secure the best deal under very challenging circumstances for Scotland. So far, we have seen off a number of threats, been handed some challenges and secured many opportunities. Much work remains to be done in the run up to the December Fisheries Council."