The European Commission, on behalf of the European Union, and the Faroe Islands, Iceland, Norway and the Russian Federation have agreed on the fishing possibilities for the Atlanto-Scandian (Norwegian spring-spawning) herring stock in the north-east Atlantic.
The Parties agreed that the overall catch limitation for 2007 would be fixed at a level of 1,280,000 tonnes in full conformity with the advice. The EU share will be 83,328 tonnes. This agreement between the five Parties was the first such agreement for this stock since 2002.
"This agreement confirms the will of all concerned to work together to manage this herring stock sustainably. It's a very positive development that was made possible thanks to the considerable efforts by all the Parties concerned." Joe Borg, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Maritime Affairs, commented.
The Five Parties have agreed on the implementation of a long-term management plan for the Atlanto-Scandian herring, which will come into effect in 2007. Furthermore, they agreed upon a number of reciprocal access arrangements between the Parties allowing each of them to fish in one another's waters.
The negotiations, which took place over three rounds in Oslo, were concluded in the early hours of 18 January 2007. The Parties took into account the latest scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) when agreeing the fishing possibilities and on the need to ensure sustainable fisheries.
EU fishermen will be able to fish 74,995 tonnes of this quantity in areas under Norwegian fisheries jurisdiction north of 62°N. A similar arrangement will subsequently be agreed between the EU and the Faroe Islands.
