Today, the UK has signed an historic fisheries agreement with Norway. This is the first fisheries agreement entered into by the UK as an independent coastal State, and delivers on the government’s commitment to building a prosperous and sustainable future for the UK fishing industry.
The UK-Norway Fisheries Framework Agreement will provide the legal basis for annual negotiations on access and fishing opportunities while ensuring a platform for collaboration on world-leading and sustainable fishery management. There is no fixed access to UK or Norwegian waters in the agreement so this will be negotiated annually.
The UK is committed to sustainable fisheries management, as evidenced by the overarching objective of the agreement, which notes that the UK and Norway should cooperate with a view to ensuring the long-term conservation and sustainable use of marine living resources.
This agreement includes principles that demonstrate the shared will of the UK and Norway to cooperate as independent coastal states and seek effective and sustainable management of their fisheries. The treaty incorporates the same principles that the UK is currently seeking with the EU – a framework agreement which reflects the UK’s and Norway’s rights under international law.
This agreement is testament to our commitment to acting as a cooperative independent coastal state, seeking to ensure a sustainable and a prosperous future for the whole of the UK fishing industry.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.
GEORGE EUSTICE MP