19 December 2003
The 2004 European fisheries deal will boost the declining stocks of cod around the British coast, UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw said today.
Following all night talks with other European countries in Brussels, Mr Bradshaw said the UK team achieved long term measures that will help restore fish stocks and protect the fishing industry at the same time.
"We have defended the number of days our fishing vessels are allowed to take catches under the cod recovery plan," he said.
The agreement will also:
- put in place a long term recovery plan to restore traditional cod fishing grounds crucial to the survival of many fishing communities; and
- secure increases in a number of quotas of importance to UK fishermen, including haddock.
Mr Bradshaw said flexibility was the key to making the agreement.
"A realistic approach to long term recovery of cod stocks has been taken. Restrictions have been placed in some fishing grounds, including the Irish Sea."
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