Cod, haddock and herring quotas to increase

SIGNIFICANT increases to the cod and haddock quotas for 2016 have been agreed at negotiations between the European Union and Norway on Friday.

The cod quota is to rise by 15 per cent while haddock go up by 30 per cent, with an extra 17 per cent for vessels affected by the discard ban.

The Scottish government said the total package could be worth more than £15 million to the fishing industry.

North Sea herring is to increase by 16 per cent, while whiting and plaice remain the same, despite initial advice the whiting quota would fall by 15 per cent.

Scottish fishing secretary Richard Lochhead said the increases were in line with scientific advice and were “good news for the fishing industry”.

“Following a year which saw landings up by nearly a fifth and revenues worth over £500 million, these increases in quota mean fishermen can further boost catch and profit and could be worth over £15 million,” he said.

“This will also help the fleet manage the discard ban, which will stop dead haddock being thrown back into the sea, which will in turn improve the stocks of fish.”

Lochhead voiced disappointment that the CCTV monitoring of the cod catch was being scrapped.

“I view that as a lost opportunity for all with an interest in sustainable fisheries management,” he said.

He added the government would “continue to fight” for a better deal with Faroe over the mackerel fishery.