Draft UK priorities for 2009 fisheries negotiations

Overarching objective: a balanced and fair settlement across the range of negotiations, which promotes the long-term sustainable exploitation of fish stocks in European waters and the economic viability of the fisheries sector – whilst reflecting the full extent of UK interests.

Subject to consultation and further consideration, the UK’s objectives are likely to be as follows:

Top level objectives

• Put the management of the North Sea whiting stock on a firmer footing, by pursuing the potential for a long-term plan – and minimise reductions in landings for North Sea whiting and haddock as far as possible.

• Secure increase in the North Sea cod TAC (of 16.5% to 33,500 tonnes), commensurate with the application of the stock recovery plan and explore scope for flexibility to offset impacts of anticipated further cuts in effort – in particular, a switch from ‘time at sea’ to actual ‘fishing time.

• Seek to minimise the cut in the Irish Sea Nephrops TAC (on basis of latest science). Resist Commission proposal for a 7% cut and seek roll-over for the North Sea stock (24,837 tonnes) – as partially endorsed by STECF. Accept 15% cut in the TAC for the West of Scotland stock.

• Secure opportunity to trial the ‘catch quota’ option for one or more of North Sea cod, haddock and whiting, based on the application of appropriate monitoring onboard participating vessels.

• Resist cut in the Western Channel (VIIe) sole TAC (650 tonnes).

• Resist the use of mackerel in the EU/Norway balance. Support the Commission in its desire to secure a multi-annual deal on the governance of the stock, which would protect its long-term sustainability – but only if the deal produces real benefits for the UK. Ensure the Commission stands firm in keeping Norwegian mackerel fishery in EU waters closed for the remainder of the year – and that Norway pays appropriately for any additional access in 2010.

• Aim to secure as high a proportion of the UK’s full entitlement to Arctic stocks as practicable, in the light of the reduced availability of suitable exchange currency and the increased level of such stocks on offer.

• Seek increase in North Sea and West of Scotland megrim TAC as supported by robust science, and flexibility for monkfish quota.

• Resist cuts in TACs for ‘use it or lose it’ stocks

Second order objectives

• Seek roll-over in Celtic Sea cod TAC. But ensure alternative management arrangements are put in place to assist stock recovery – based on North Western Waters RAC proposals for general effort/capacity limits (rather than application of existing cod recovery plan).

• Seek a revision to the 90% North Sea cod quota uptake rule to avoid a repeat of this year’s discard problems.

• Secure 15% increase in Irish Sea herring TAC, based on latest scientific evidence that supports view that SSB is increasing.

• Secure Commission commitment to bring forward measures under the EU shark management plan (including a review of the EU Shark Finning Regulation).

• Resist any continuation of targeted fisheries for spurdog or porbeagle and establish appropriate bycatch limits.

• Seek changes to West of Scotland haddock proposal in order to spread cut in TAC over two years (i.e. 25% per year rather than 50%+ in one hit).

Third order objectives

• Secure agreement to more reasonable and transparent (Commission) mechanism for exempting vessels catching less than 1.5% cod from recovery plan.

• Ensure appropriate application of the long-term management plan for Blue whiting; avoid any increases in transfers to Norway and the Faeroes – and if possible, secure reductions which are at least equivalent to the cut in TAC.

• Seek an increase in the transfers from Norway of monkfish, ling and tusk - and a reduction in transfers to Norway of the latter two stocks. Also seek small increase in Norway ‘Others’ allocation.

• Secure an agreement on the long-term management plan for horse mackerel which reflects UK interests.

• Secure appropriate application of West of Scotland herring management plan.

• Ensure EU continues to claim 65% of the global Rockall haddock TAC.

• Ensure appropriate application of the North Sea herring management plan (including appropriate allocation between north and south regions, consistent with ICES advice).

Category: UK Government News