Brussels, 20/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 19 December, the EU Council of ministers adopted, without debate, the regulation on total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for deep-sea species for the next two years (2007 and 2008). European fisheries ministers reached a political agreement on 21 November (see EUROPE 9311). Significant reductions in fishing possibilities were agreed (compared with current 2005-2006 TACs and quotas) for the orange roughy (down 42-83% depending on the zone), deep sea sharks (down by 60-83%), the round-nosed grenadier (down by between 12% and 33%) and blue ling (20% reduction). The Council decided to retain the current levels of fishing allocations for the other species (black scabbardfish, red bream and greater forkbeard). Quotas for these fish were introduced in 2003 and are set for two-year periods, to take account of the timetable for presentation of scientific advice (once every two years). European Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg said the aim was to phase out fishing for orange roughy and deep sea shark by 2010, since stocks are close to collapse. Ministers decided to delay decisions on one deep-sea species, the torsk, until the Council at the end of December, when it will be dealt with at the same time as ling. (lc)