Brussels, 24/11/2005 (Agence Europe) - Speaking in Brussels on Tuesday, Joe Borg, European Fisheries Commissioner, was fairly confident about the chances of an agreement next week between the EU and Norway on fixing total allowable catches (TAC) in 2006, to be jointly managed in the North Sea, and an exchange of quotas between the two parties. He did, however, admit it would be difficult to come to an agreement on blue whiting fishing (the stocks of which are in an unhealthy stage of conservation), making up one third of the species offered by the EU in exchange for access to Norwegian cod. The next negotiating session will be held in Brussels from 28 November to 2 December. It will be necessary to resolve two main problems: blue whiting stocks in Community waters and the cod stock management plan in the North Sea.
Spain also recalled that two Spanish vessels and Spanish fishermen had been arrested in Norwegian waters by the local authorities. It called on the EU to help resolve the problem. The Spanish delegation recalled legal provisions under which Norway cannot restrict access to its waters or take measures against EC fishing vessels. It called on Norway to release the members of the Spanish crew but for now has not received a response from Norway. Mr Borg said he was unaware of all the details of the issue and recalled that Norway had banned black halibut fishing in that zone.