Scottish fishing communities will reap benefits from new deal
Ministers say a new trade deal will be worth £128m to Scottish Fishers
Last updated 10th Dec 2022
Scotland’s fisheries are getting a trade deal worth £128 million, up from £97 million last year.
Government ministers are expecting the fishing trade to grow after an agreement was signed between the UK, Norway and the EU.
Quotas for North Sea fishing have increased, allowing Scottish fishing communities wider access to Cod, Haddock and Whiting.
Economic boost for Scotland
Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said: “These stocks are of key commercial importance to Scotland and the increase in Cod is a result of Scottish fishers' efforts to drive recovery.
"The success of those efforts is reflected in the latest scientific advice, which has permitted significantly greater catches than last year.
"That is good news for Scotland's fishers, who will have access to considerably greater whitefish quotas this year, with a positive economic effect for our fishing communities."
Total allowable catches for Cod are up 63%, with Haddock up 30% and Whiting up 30%.
Scientists at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea had recommended increased catch sizes following recent action to improve stocks.
Benefits for years to come
The UK Government's fisheries minister Mark Spencer also welcomed the deal, saying: "I'm pleased we have reached agreements to secure important fish stocks worth over £450 million for the UK fishing fleet in 2023.
"The deals will help support a sustainable, profitable fishing industry for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing grounds."