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Outcome of UK and Norway bilateral consultations

December 22, 2021 by Marine Scotland Communications No Comments | Category Fisheries

Agreed records on both access and quota exchanges of fish stocks between Norway and the UK in 2022 have been signed, following consultations between both nations in recent weeks. Norway is a key partner for us in the North Sea basin, and this agreement has been welcomed by both sides.

The deal includes reciprocal access for demersal stocks. This will allow Scottish fishermen to fish their quota in Norwegian waters, giving them access to high market value haddock throughout the year. Reciprocal access is capped at 30,000 tonnes. This represents a positive step change from 2021, where no such agreement existed.

There is also a pelagic access arrangement covering North Sea herring and Atlanto-Scandian herring. The UK will receive 17,000 tonnes of Atlanto-Scandian herring access in Norwegian waters, in return for allowing fishing access for Norway in UK waters for the same tonnage of North Sea Herring.

On exchanges, the UK will receive additional quota for a number of key demersal stocks. The package for the UK is estimated to be worth £5.23 million and includes inward transfers of whiting, monkfish and hake. In return, Norway will receive additional quota for demersal stocks including Greenland halibut, ling and tusk. This exchange helps to mitigate the challenging scientific advice for many demersal stocks this year, while still keeping fishing activity as a whole within sustainable levels.

Welcoming the agreement, Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“Norway is a key partner for us in the North Sea basin, and this is a welcome agreement.

“I want to thank the Scottish Government negotiating team who has played a full role in getting to this agreement, from scenario-planning and background analysis to deploying subject matter knowledge and expertise during the negotiations.

“This package provides additional opportunities and flexibility for Scottish industry, and is a reflection on the strong and enduring relationship between the UK and Norway.”

Tags: Norway. fisheries. quota

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