UK makes deal with Norway, EU on securing its fish stocks

LONDON

The UK reached agreements with the EU, Norway and wider coastal states to secure fishing catch limits worth £202 ($248 million) to its fishing industry, the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) announced Friday.

The figure is a £33 million increase from last year.

The country secured catch levels for 2023 for six important fish stocks in the North Sea, including North Sea cod, haddock and herring.

"The agreement will help support a sustainable, profitable fishing industry for years to come while continuing to protect our marine environment and vital fishing ground," said Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer.

The deal also enables UK vessels to have access to Norwegian waters to fish their own demersal and pelagic quota.

Each year, the UK and Norway negotiate access to each other’s waters, quota exchanges and control and enforcement measures.