Fisheries Ministers met at Global Seafood Expo

Scottish Fisheries Minister Richard Lochhead held talks on Blue Whiting, the North Sea fishery and aquaculture with his Norwegian counterpart Elisabeth Aspaker.

Discussions focused on the importance of working together to improve our shared interest in aquaculture, the need for urgent progress to agree new long term sharing arrangements for Blue Whiting and implementation of the new Common Fisheries Policy.

Mr Lochhead said:

“Scotland and Norway have a long standing relationship and we have both seen the benefits of close cooperation on a range of issues from aquaculture and fisheries to climate change. That’s why I was pleased to meet with Norwegian Fisheries Minister Elisabeth Aspaker at the Seafood Expo in Brussels.

“Of course, the situation with the Blue Whiting fishery is important to our fleet and I have made clear our disappointment at Norway’s unilateral quota this year and stressed the importance of ensuring current negotiations put in place a new sharing arrangement as quickly as possible. We will continue to work to secure the best deal for Scottish Fishermen.

“We also discussed the new CFP, including progress towards a Multi Annual Plan for the North Sea, and agree that the goal of long term sustainable and responsible fisheries management is of key importance to both fleets.

“Scotland and Norway also have shared interests in aquaculture and I am pleased to have agreed with the Minister that we will increase our co-operation on an area that is of crucial importance to both of our economies.”

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