North Sea fishing quotas 'significantly' increased

Significant increases in UK quotas for fish including North Sea cod have been agreed by ministers.

Fisheries minister George Eustice welcomed the deal as a "great result" forUK fishermen following European Union negotiations in Brussels.

Quotas for North Sea cod and haddock have been increased by 15% and 47% respectively on 2015 levels, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said.

Maximum limits on English Channel plaice have been doubled and increased by 20% for Celtic Sea hake and 15% for sole in the Western Channel.

Credit: Press Association

Defra said it had negotiated to keep the number of days fishermen could spend at sea to this year's levels, while also accepting quota cuts of 55% in sole from the Irish Sea and 9% in plaice from the Bristol Channel.The limits for 2016 were agreed at the annual EU Fisheries and AgricultureCouncil and Defra said decisions took account of scientific advice,sustainability goals and a drive to reduce discards.