Fish stocks are shared between the European Union and the United Kingdom

Fisheries quota in trade and cooperation agreement

EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement describes possible terms for both parties Individual fishing rights In the respective water. According to the contract, 25% of EU fishing rights British water was gradually transferred to the UK Navy between 2021 and 2026.

Both parties to the agreement agreed to ensure fishing activities related to common reserves in their waters.

• There is Environmental sustainability Long term
• Contribution Livelihood of commercial fishermen

There is something in the deal Licensing system for fishing vessels This provides mutual access to water for each party.

Mentioned in Appendix 35 of the Agreement List of fish resources They are considered common resources. This list includes about 100 fish resources in the Atlantic and North Seas.

The contract defines it Percentage Assigned to the European Union and the United Kingdom, respectively For each common fishery. According to the agreement, both parties must hold Annual consultations Determine it Total allowable capture For each fish species and their respective fishing rights in relation to the percentage specified in the contract.

The role of the Council

For many years, fishing opportunities for the public sector were negotiated and established annually at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in December. Following the new EU-UK agreement, fishing opportunities for shares jointly managed by both parties By consultation Between them, according to international law.

Consultations with the United Kingdom are guided by the European Commission. The Council is fully informed And participates in the entire consultation process.

Role of the Council:

• Give commission The guidance on the status of the EU in the consultations is constantly updated on the progress of the negotiations
• Approval Final agreement on annual allocations before formal completion of consultations with the United Kingdom

Bilateral consultations for 2021-2022

Under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, fishing allocations for common stocks for 2021 and consultations for deep-sea stocks for 2021 and 2022 were made after the agreement was approved.

In February 2021, the European Commission approved the plan Council decision In the case of allocations for 2021 and some deep sea stocks, the position to be taken on behalf of the European Union in bilateral consultations with the United Kingdom for 2021 and 2022. 2021, emphasizes Many policies As a guide for advice, Inter Alia

• To ensure compliance with International Duties and Obligations
• Efforts should be made to ensure that allocations are made in accordance with the purpose Maximum fixed income (MSY) in general fisheries policy, and that fishing Environmental sustainability Long-term and managed to ensure Employment and livelihoods
• Should basically try to set allocations Excellent scientific advice And, if such advice is not available, follow the policy Precautionary approach In fishing
• Ensure the creation of a quota transfer mechanism Equivalent termsAnd emphasizing the need for a flexible and practical mechanism to implement year-round transfers between individual member states and the United Kingdom;
• The Council needs to do its part Final approval

Based on the guidance provided by the Council decision, the Commission consulted with its British counterparts. A total of five consultation rounds were conducted in January-May.

On Initial contract Reached 2 June 2021 between EU and UK. The agreement sets the total allowable catch for 75 common fisheries by 2021 and some deep-sea stocks for 2021 and 2022. It also affects some organisms that are subject to reservations. The contract is guaranteed Fishing opportunities for EU and UK navies In the water of both parties until the end of 2021.

Following the commission’s initial agreement The council approved the agreement In an informal video conference with fisheries ministers on June 9.

The agreement marks a milestone in EU-UK relations and a strong precedent for future negotiations with the UK on fisheries opportunities. This provides clarity and stability to commercial fishermen, while ensuring that marine resources are consistently utilized in a sustainable manner.

Ricardo Cerrio Santos, Portuguese Minister for Maritime Affairs

Following the Council’s approval, the agreement will now be converted into EU law. One Special Committee on Fisheries Established in accordance with the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to conclude any unresolved issues, including fully defined quota transactions and certain technical activities in the Agreement.