The European Commission, negotiating on behalf of the European Union, and the Faroe Islands agreed, on 5 December, on the levels of fishing possibilities in each other’s waters, as well as on access arrangements for 2008. The arrangement found for 2008 confirms the existing climate of constructive cooperation between both sides which have a shared interest in ensuring the sustainability of North Atlantic fisheries. Fishing possibilities were agreed taking into account the recent scientific advice on the stocks concerned and the commitment to reduce underutilised quotas. On this basis, there was a roll-over from this year for a number of quotas. However, a number of quotas, such as for redfish, saithe and blue whiting, have been reduced. The Parties also agreed on extended and reciprocal access to each other’s waters especially on blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring.
Changes for the EU fleet fishing in Faroese waters (in tonnes):
| Stock |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Redfish |
2 265 |
1 600 |
|
Saithe |
2 700 |
2 425 |
|
Blue whiting |
18 000 |
12 240 |
Changes for the Faroe Islands fishing in EU waters (in tonnes):
| Stock * |
2007 |
2008 |
|
Blue whiting |
43 500 |
29 580 |
