The EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands have reached an agreement on blue whiting quotas. The deal, struck in late November, signals the end to years of failed negotiations.
The big concern has been that catch-as-can strategies by the different parties had not only led to catches almost double those recommended by scientists, but that they would ultimately threaten the overall stock. Under the deal, a ceiling of two million tonnes will be imposed on the 2006 catch, gradually reducing to 1.5 million tonnes over a five-year period with the aim of producing sustainable fishing.
The EU will be allocated the largest share, approximately 30 per cent. The parties also agreed to permit flexibility regarding quota management. This means quotas may be transferred between fishing years within a 10 per cent limit.
The coastal states are now discussing individual agreements regarding reciprocal access to catching blue whiting in each other's fishing zones.
