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Following annual end-of-year talks on fishing quotas, EU ministers agreed on 22 December to cut cod catches in 2007 by 14-20 percent and to reduce the days of fishing at sea by 8-10 percent. The ministers also agreed to reduce quotas on, among other, southern hake, North Sea sole and plaice, ling, and herring in waters west of Scotland and Ireland. They further agreed to increases quotas for northern hake and Bay of Biscay sole, following stock recovery.
The European Commission had originally called for a 25 percent cut in cod total allowable catches (TACs), but major fishing nations objected and the 14-20 percent cut was the result of arduous talks. Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, stressed that “The Commission’s proposal for the 2007 TACs and quotas was aimed at reinforcing the gradual but sustained approach that offers the best chance of reconciling the need to rebuild depleted fish stocks with the needs of fishers whose livelihoods depend on continued fishing activities.”
Scientists have warned that the cod stock is dangerously depleted, and recommend a complete ban on cod fishing for at least one year to ensure recovery. Environmental group WWF called the new compromise a “disaster.” According to the group, about 23,000 tons of cod are caught in the North Sea under current quotas, but a further 23,000 tons are discarded as by-catch of other fisheries.
“EU slashes cod fishing quotas,” AFP, 21 December 2006; “Commission: Council decision on 2007 fish quotas confirms gradual approach to sustainable fisheries,” EU RELEASE, 21 December 2006; “Europe’s fishing quota cuts fail to ease fears,” FINANCIAL TIMES, 21 December 2006.
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