The first round of talks between the European Union and Norway are set to begin in Copenhagen on 16 November.
The talks will discuss opportunities for shared fish stocks in 2016, covering several key a species for the Scottish fishing fleet, such as North Sea cod, haddock and herring.
“The key difference in the talks are that compared with previous years they come against the background of introduction of landing obligation, or discard ban as it is known, for demersal fishers,” Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.
He continued: “This means that as well as the quota proposals made by the European Commission, there will be a further quota uplift recommendation specifically for those stocks affected by the first phase of the discard ban.”
Scientific advice is recommending at least a 30% increase for North Sea haddock and 15% for North Sea Cod. This reflects the healthy state of many of Scotland’s important fish stocks.
Mr Armstrong said: “Advice from the EC’s scientific, technical and economic committee for fisheries is expected very soon, which will be used in the final decision-making process for this additional quota.”
“Provision for further quota uplifts above the final agreed catch limits is essential so as to enable the fleet to cope with the landing obligation regulations.”
A second round of talks between the EU and Norway will begin on 30 November in Bergen. The final catching opportunities for 2016 will be agreed at the EU Fish Council in Brussels on 14 December.
