The recent approval of the EU-UK fishing agreement by the Council marks a significant milestone in securing fishing rights for EU fishers in the Atlantic and the North Sea. This agreement not only ensures stability and certainty for the industry but also upholds our commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
Under the agreement, both parties have secured important fishing opportunities for their respective fishers, reflecting the positive outcomes of the negotiations and the good will demonstrated by both sides. The fishing rights in the Atlantic and the North Sea will continue to be protected in the coming year, showcasing a dedication to upholding sustainability commitments.
The detailed agreement covers approximately 100 shared fish stocks, focusing on specific aspects such as the total allowable catches (TACs) and each party’s fishing rights. Furthermore, this annual agreement process, endorsed through a written procedure, forms a critical part of the wider process of setting fishing opportunities in EU and non-EU waters for the upcoming year.
Scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has been instrumental in guiding the agreement, ensuring that it aligns with the common fisheries policy of the EU and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement with the UK. Additionally, efforts to improve data availability for stocks with no ICES advice have been agreed upon, emphasizing a commitment to informed decision-making.
The agreement also encompasses adjustments in TACs for various fish stocks for 2024, reflecting a carefully considered approach aimed at sustainable management. Notably, the agreement includes decreases in TACs for certain stocks, such as haddock and whiting in specific regions, alongside increases for others, including whiting in the West of Scotland and megrims in the North Sea.
Since the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, the management of shared fish stocks has been governed by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, which necessitates annual consultations to determine TACs and quotas for the following year. The agreement also incorporates a licensing system for fishing vessels to facilitate mutual access to each other’s waters.
Looking ahead, the forthcoming Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting will be pivotal in reaching a political agreement on fishing opportunities in the Atlantic and the North Sea for 2024, and, in some cases, for 2025 and 2026. Following this, the finalized regulation will be formally adopted and implemented from 1 January 2024.
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