The Fisheries Committee (SCF) between the EU and the UK has reached three agreements for improved fisheries management between the EU and the UK.
The three agreements are:
- A mechanism for voluntary transfer of fishing opportunities between the EU and the UK.
- Common guidelines for notifying management measures to the other party.
- Enhancement of the management of four shared stocks (Lemon sole, Witch [plaice], Turbot, and Brill).
Virginijus Sinkevičius, Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries:
“These agreements demonstrate that the EU and the UK can effectively cooperate under the trade and cooperation agreement between the EU and the UK. These agreements will enhance the sustainable management of our shared fish stocks and support both fleets. It shows the success of our collaboration in normalizing our new fishing relationships and provides a strong basis for continued cooperation in addressing shared management challenges.”
The introduction of a mechanism for voluntary transfers of fishing opportunities throughout the year between the EU and the UK will help fleets on both sides adjust the distribution of their fishing opportunities to their specific operational needs. This mechanism will allow for multiple rounds of annual transfers based on industry proposals. The mechanism is based on the principles of the interim quota exchange system in place since 2021, which has been working well for both parties. This agreement is unique in the EU’s relations with external fishing partners and follows the principles applied internally for quota exchanges within the EU.
The parties have also made significant progress in managing four shared stocks: Lemon sole, Witch [plaice], Turbot, and Brill. The EU and the UK have adopted a recommendation with a new framework for setting total allowable catches (TACs) for these four stocks, after scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) declared that the previous management approach carries sustainability risks. This framework includes new TACs for these stocks in the Channel and the Skagerrak, along with the EU and UK’s corresponding quota shares for these TACs.
The joint guidelines for notifications of management measures are another important milestone. Both the EU and the UK must now notify the other party of all management measures they take in their respective waters that could affect vessels of the other party. These guidelines provide clarity on this process, including notification deadlines, standardized content of notifications, and involvement in notifications.
Background
After the UK’s departure from the EU, most stocks in the EU waters of the northeastern part of the Atlantic Ocean are now shared with non-EU countries, especially the UK.
The Trade and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and the UK includes the fishing relations between the EU and the UK after the UK’s departure from the EU, including the establishment of a joint specialized Committee for Fisheries (SCF) between the EU and the UK. The EU and the UK collaborate in the SCF on the sustainable management of shared fisheries and other related management issues.
