The UK, EU, and Norway Fishing Agreement: An Overview
The UK, EU, and Norway have reached a historic fishing agreement that will determine how they share and manage fish populations in the North Sea and adjacent waters. The deal, which was announced in June 2021, replaces the previously existing arrangement that was based on the UK`s membership in the EU.
The agreement covers the sharing of fishing quotas and access to waters for the three parties. It also includes provisions for cooperation on fisheries management, research, and enforcement. The negotiations began in March 2020 and were concluded after several rounds of talks.
Under the agreement, the UK, EU, and Norway have agreed to set the total allowable catch (TAC) for shared fish stocks at sustainable levels based on scientific advice. The TACs will be distributed among the parties according to their historic fishing rights and agreed-upon shares. The agreement also allows for flexibility in shifting quotas between years if scientific advice recommends adjustments.
The UK will have control over its waters up to 12 nautical miles from its coast, while the EU and Norway will have access to waters further out. The agreement also gives the UK the ability to set its own rules for its exclusive economic zone (EEZ), including quotas and conservation measures.
One of the most contentious issues in the negotiations was access to waters and quotas for EU and Norwegian fishermen in the UK`s EEZ. The UK had demanded greater control over access and quotas, while the EU and Norway wanted to maintain their historic rights. The compromise reached allows for a phased-in approach to adjusting quotas over a five-and-a-half year period, during which time EU and Norwegian vessels will continue to have access to UK waters.
The agreement has been hailed as a significant step towards sustainable fisheries management in the North Sea and adjacent waters. It represents a departure from the previous arrangement, which was criticized for overfishing and unsustainable practices. The parties have committed to working together to ensure the long-term health of fish populations and the ecosystems they inhabit.
The agreement is also notable for the role of Norway, which is not an EU member but has longstanding fishing ties with both the EU and the UK. Norway`s inclusion in the negotiations reflects the importance of regional cooperation in managing fish stocks.
In conclusion, the UK, EU, and Norway fishing agreement represents a significant milestone in the management of fish populations in the North Sea and adjacent waters. The parties have committed to sustainable practices and regional cooperation, which bodes well for the long-term health of these ecosystems. The agreement also demonstrates the potential for constructive dialogue and compromise in resolving complex issues of common interest.
