Brussels, 31/10/2007 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission, acting on behalf of the European Union and the other coastal states, reached an agreement on fishing possibilities for 2008 for various species which are managed jointly in the waters of the north-east Atlantic. The total allowable catch (TAC) and quotas thus agreed for blue whiting, mackerel and Atlanto-Scandinavian herring are to be formally agreed at the forthcoming meeting of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), to be held in London from 12-16 November. The contracting parties to this regional fisheries organisation are the European Community, Denmark (on behalf of the Faroe Isles and Greenland), Russia, Iceland and Norway. 12 member states of the EU (Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom and Sweden) fish in the area.
Blue whiting. The total TAC will be 1.25 million tonnes in 2008, or 32% less than 2007 figures, to take account of the scientific opinions recommending a sharp reduction in catch for this species, as stock is struggling to replenish itself (too few young fish are entering the stock). The parties have committed to consume just 1.15 million tonnes next year: 350,906 tonnes for the EU, 300,572 for the Faroe Isles, 202,836 tonnes for Iceland and 296,200 tonnes for Norway. A working group has been set in place to reflect on a new management programme for this stock, which will be implemented from 1 May 2008.
Atlanto-Scandinavian herring. The TAC for all parties will be 1.266 million tonnes in 2008 (unchanged from 2007): 82,417 tonnes for the EU, 65,326 tonnes for the Faroe Isles, 183,697 tonnes for Iceland, 772,260 tonnes for Norway and 162,301 tonnes for Russia. The parties have decided to implement a long-term management plan reflecting an approach based on caution. In particular, all efforts must be made to keep the biomass of the reproductive stock above the critical threshold of 2.5 million tonnes.
Mackerel. For 2008, the TAC has been reduced by 9% compared to current possibilities (2007): 456,000 tonnes to be divided between the EU, the Faroe Isles and Norway.
The other major species in the zone are Rockall haddock, redfish and certain deep-water species. (L.C.)