EU reaches agreement on 2023 catch allocations

The EU has concluded consultations with the north-east Atlantic coastal states and trilateral consultations with the United Kingdom and Norway on the joint management of shared fish stocks in 2023. These deals will contribute to the sustainable management of the stocks, as well as secure the fishing opportunities for EU vessels. They set catch limits, known as total allowable catches (TACs), at levels in line with the best available scientific advice. The agreement with coastal states covers the joint management of mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring stocks. All parties recognised the need to reach a consensus on quota-sharing arrangements for all three stocks as soon as possible. As part of the agreement, the EU, Norway, the Faroe Islands, the United Kingdom, and, for the first time, Iceland and Greenland, also agreed to set the control measures for pelagic stocks no later than 2026. This represents a significant step forward towards creating a level playing field ...