Monkfish win for Scottish fleet after UK-Norway talks

A deal struck between the UK and Norway will help to offset “over-precautionary” catch advice affecting monkfish catches in the North Sea.

The bilateral talks between the two countries have delivered fishing opportunities for the Scottish fleet in 2023.

Agreements on access and quota exchanges of fish stocks were signed.

I am pleased that a deal has been reached that will deliver benefits for both nations.”

Mairi Gougeon, rural affairs secretary.

Key measures for Scottish fishers include:

• An exchange of quotas which will increase the opportunities to catch key fish stocks including monkfish – Scotland’s most valuable demersal (white-fish) species in 2021.
• Reciprocal access for white-fish stocks, allowing Scottish vessels to fish in Norwegian waters – giving them access to high market value stocks throughout the year.
• An agreement on pelagic access, allowing Scottish boats to fish Atlanto-Scandian herring in Norwegian waters

Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Elspeth Macdonald said: “Reaching this deal provides certainty and clarity between the parties for the year ahead.

“Due to over-precautionary catch advice from Ices… that industry considers to be unjustified, the inward transfer of monkfish from Norway is to be welcomed.

“Monkfish was Scotland’s most valuable demersal species in 2021, so this agreement will help address a likely reduction in the total allowable catch that will otherwise be hugely damaging for our demersal fleet.”

Ices, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, is an influential group of scientists who guide fisheries policy in Europe. They have recommended hefty cuts to North Sea monkfish quotas in recent years, due to limited data on how healthy the stock is.

The UK-Norway deal extends arrangements agreed last year on mutual access, with the UK fishing industry having access to 30,000 tonnes of white-fish stocks – such as cod, haddock and hake – in the North Sea.

It also grants reciprocal access to fish up to 20,000 tonnes of herring the two countries’ respective waters.

In addition, the deal secures more than 1,100 tonnes of quota transfers of key UK stocks from Norway and gives the UK fleet 750 tonnes of cod quota in Norway’s Arctic waters.

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.”

According to the UK Government, Britain’s fleet will benefit to the tune of £5 million.

UK Fisheries Minister Mark Spencer said: “I’m delighted to reach a deal with Norway for 2023 which gives UK fishing vessels access to key fish stocks and quota in the North Sea and Arctic. The agreement highlights both parties’ continued commitment to manage fisheries sustainably and support the long-term viability of stocks in the North Sea.”