UK, Norway agree package for continued North Sea access

Since Brexit, the UK has negotiated fisheries deals as an independent coastal state. Its latest bilateral agreement with Norway sees a continuation of existing arrangements, with the UK fleet given access to 30,000 tonnes of Norwegian whitefish stocks, including cod, haddock and hake, as well as access to fish up to 20,000 tonnes of herring in the countries’ respective waters.

There will also be quota transfers of key UK stocks, including anglerfish and Arctic stocks.

“Leaving the EU has presented us with the chance to seize the post Brexit freedoms that are on offer, negotiating deals and implementing broader fisheries measures that will support our fishing industry towards a more profitable and sustainable future,” UK Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said.

“Through negotiations this year we’ve already secured deals to give our fishermen access to stocks worth GBP 970 million, and the arrangements with Norway announced today will provide certainty and continuity, allowing fishermen to access to important North Sea stocks such as cod, haddock and hake,” he said.

Through its latest bilateral negotiations with the European Union and trilateral deals, the UK fleet has been secured access to 420,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities next year, worth up to GBP 700 million.