EU raises 2015 cod and haddock quotas despite scientific recommendation to slash catches
SEAFOODNEWS.COM [The Guardian] by Fiona Harvey - December 17, 2014
Britain’s fishermen will be allowed to increase their catch of cod and other key fish species next year after late-night wrangling between EU ministers in Brussels resulted in a new set of fishing quotas that flout scientific advice.
The quota for cod catches for 2015 will increase by 5% on last year, though scientific advice suggested that it should be cut by 20%.
The UK’s fisheries minister, George Eustice, hailed the deal as a triumph for Britain’s dwindling fishing fleets. He said: “Although these were difficult negotiations, I am pleased that we were able to secure the best possible deal to ensure sustainable fisheries and a strong UK fishing industry. While fishermen had feared there would be major cuts, we were able to keep the same quota as last year for many species, in addition to important increases to the North Sea cod and haddock quota, which will benefit Scottish fishermen.”
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