Having attained scientific advice, concluded talks with Norway, the EU has announced it's proposals for 'Fishing Opportunities' in 2007.
See: http://europa.eu.int/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/06/1686&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
As in previous years, the serious horse trading now gets under way following a familiar pattern whereby fishstocks are allowed to continue to suffer, and an industry squeals because of the hardships being imposed.
Organisations concerned for the health of our Marine Resources wonder why clear scientific advice is being ignored, and communities and businesses dependent on extracting and processing fish question the advice, point to other reasons why fish stocks are declining, maintain that some stocks tell a different story, and plea for their future, as they depend on what can be taken today.
Keep coming back here to see the familiar story unfold, and follow the media as the different points of view are reported.
Herald Tribune
EU Politix
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*** 06 Dec 06 ***
The Herald - Fury over Plan to cut Fishing Days
The Scotsman - Whitefish Fleet could be Wiped out by New EC Demands
FishUpdate.com - Commission urged : Back science over Rockall quota
B B C - Commission calls for cut in Cod
FishUpdate.com - Practical action needed to save cod, says WWF
FishUpdate.com - Shark Alliance disappointed over fishing limits
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*** 12 Dec 06 ***
Finnie to stand firm on fishing quotas
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*** 14 Dec 06 ***
Industry leader urges Commission to back off
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*** 15 Dec 06 ***
Shetland MP says Bradshaw must take robust stance at EU talks
EU plan would spell disaster, says Federation
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*** 19 Dec 06 ***
Fishermen praised for conservation
Call for North Sea cod fishing ban
Fishermen set for EU quota talks
Fishermen ready for annual scrap
FISHING FLEET FACE BIG CUTS
Fishermen fear days at sea cuts
Brussels criticised over "Cod is God" attitude
Cut in days at sea would be "unjustifiable"
Green pressure from Brussels to protect dwindling fish stocks
*** EU - Timescales and Proposals ***
"The European Commission has begun to back down on the "worst ever threat" to Scotland's white fish industry.
It was originally proposed to cut the number of days fishermen can spend at sea next year by 25%.
However at the start of the annual talks in Brussels, the commission tabled an amendment that would cut fishing days by 20% instead. "
BBC Report
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*** 20 Dec 06 ***
"UK Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw called the Commission's recommendations for a 25% cut "drastic", adding that he did not believe any European states would support the proposal. "
Fish deal put forward in Brussels
EU urged to cut cod fishing quota
Fishing is the culprit for lost cod
"A BATTLE over days at sea is expected to be fought out tonight at fish talks in Brussels, possibly into the early hours.Meanwhile Scottish industry leader Mike Park said that while there had been some movement in the Commission's stance it was still a slap in the face for fishermen.
Mr Park, the Executive Chairman of the Scottish White Fish Producers' Association, said that there had been "substantial movement" in the Commission's position on days reduction.
However, while a cut of between 8% and 12% was now being talked about, it was not good enough."
Marathon battle expected over days
Fish ministers in marathon talks
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EU Cuts Agreed - see h e r e
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