Increase in key fishing quotas welcomed by industry leaders
Fishing leaders have welcomed increased quotas set for key fish stocks following annual negotiations in Brussels.
The Scottish Government said the industry will benefit from deals set to deliver additional fishing opportunities worth about £47 million.
The overall package includes increased fish quotas for 16 out of 23 key Scottish stocks, such as cod, saithe and mackerel.
Deals negotiated in Brussels over the past two days included increases of £12m for Norway lobster and £5m for monkfish.
The Scottish Government said significant wins from this year’s talks also included an extra 1,500 tonnes of Arctic cod quota coming to the UK following an increase at the Eu/norway talks.
Fisheries Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “The fishing industry is a vital part of our rural economy which is why it’s good news that we’ve secured crucial increases for the majority of our key species.
“These deals are worth around £47m to the industry.”
Bertie Armstrong, chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, said: “Overall, this is a positive outcome for Scotland which underlines the sustainable fishing practices adopted by our fleet.
“The agreement will bring welcome economic stability to Scottish fishing communities over the coming year.”