Annual fisheries negotiations took place between the UK, EU and Norway this autumn, where catch levels were agreed for over 80 important stocks including northern shelf cod and North Sea saithe.
The announcement was covered nationally, in print by the Daily Telegraph and in trade outlets such as Reuters. Regional coverage can also be seen in the Press and Journal and The Shetland News.
Negotiations with the EU has meant UK fishermen have secured access to opportunities of 130,000 tonnes for 2024, worth up to £340 million. The trilateral deal with the EU and Norway has secured an access to opportunities of 290,000 tonnes of North Sea stocks, worth around £360 million.
This is the fourth year that the UK has operated as an independent coastal state in negotiations, as a result of this, the UK has gained up to 120,000 tonnes more quota from the 2024 negotiations.
Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said:
These significant deals give UK fishermen access to important fish stocks worth £970 million and take advantage of our position outside the EU to independently negotiate in our fishing fleets best interest.
They are based on the latest scientific advice and support a sustainable, profitable fishing sector for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing grounds.
Sustainability has been at the heart of the UK's approach to negotiations, pushing for decisions based on the best available science to protect key stocks and support the long-term viability of the UK fishing industry. Advice from scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) is the starting point for the UK's approach and, where possible, catch limits have been set at or within these advised levels.