Increased monkfish quota important for Scotland’s fishers.
Scotland’s fishers will benefit from increased opportunities to access monkfish and other key demersal stocks, following the successful conclusion of UK-Norway Bilateral negotiations.
Agreement on access and quota exchanges of fish stocks for 2023 have been signed, with the key measures for Scotland’s fishers including:
- an exchange of quotas, which will increase Scotland’s opportunities to catch key demersal stocks including monkfish
- reciprocal access for demersal stocks, which will allow Scottish fishers to fish their quota in Norwegian waters, giving them access to high market value stocks throughout the year
- agreement on pelagic access, which will enable Scottish vessels to fish Atlanto-Scandian herring in Norwegian waters
Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:
“This is a good outcome for Scotland’s fishers, which builds on the successful arrangements for 2022.
“Norway is one of our closest coastal partners and we share a number of fish stocks in the North Sea.
“I am pleased that a deal has been reached that will deliver benefits for both nations.
“In particular, we have secured an increased inward transfer of monkfish.
“With the scientific advice for 2023 requiring a cut in overall monkfish quotas, this will play an important role in ensuring Scottish fishers can maintain access to this key stock.”
