The fisheries ministers of the EU countries have reached an agreement on the fishing quotas for the coming year. In the North Sea, half as much cod may be caught. For haddock, the allowed catch decreases by 15 percent.
However, 41 percent more mackerel may be caught next year. Also, a quarter more haddock may be caught. For herring fishermen, nothing changes. They are allowed to catch as much as in 2019. The quotas important for Dutch fishermen for sole and plaice have also been raised.
Research into the size of the fish stocks showed an excessive increase of sole and plaice. As a result, the quota for plaice was increased by 17 percent and for sole by even 40 percent.
Fisheries organizations are eagerly awaiting negotiations with Great Britain regarding Brexit this year. Nothing changes this year yet, but British fishermen have already made clear that once the UK leaves the EU, no European fishermen will be allowed in British waters anymore.
Moreover, the EU countries have already hinted that they want to include fishing rights in a new trade agreement that Prime Minister Johnson wishes to conclude with the EU.
Dutch fisheries organizations responded very positively to the outcome regarding the 2020 catch quotas, but environmental organizations are upset about the agreed quantities. They point out that almost every year, more fish are allowed to be caught, and that a sustainable fish stock is still not a reality.
International environmental organizations will jointly investigate whether legal action can be taken.