Defra ‘UK agrees 2022 fishing catch limits with EU and Norway

All Parties agree to set catch levels in line with, or lower than, those advised by ICES in bid to champion sustainability and help protect fish stocks.

The UK has today (10 December 2021) reached agreement with Norway and the European Union on catch limits for 2022 for six jointly managed fish stocks in the North Sea. The agreement signals the Parties’ continued commitment to the sustainable management of North Sea cod, haddock, plaice, whiting, herring and saithe to ensure the long-term viability of these stocks. The agreement has also established plans to review the distribution and management of shared stocks such as hake – a measure that aims to safeguard stocks which are important for the whole UK catching sector. Negotiating as an independent coastal State, the UK has agreed catch levels for 2022 with Norway and the EU that provide fishing opportunities estimated to be worth around £190 million to the UK fishing industry, based on historic landing prices. This will provide certainty and stability for the industry ahead of the new year.

Fisheries Minister Victoria Prentis said:

‘I am pleased to announce we have concluded trilateral negotiations between the UK, EU and Norway.

We are proud to have led discussion to a positive conclusion as we seek to set a gold standard for the entire fishing industry.

We are confident that this agreement has struck a balance that will benefit both our fishing industry and ensure our marine environment is healthy and viable long into the future.’

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