These provide access to over 520,000 tonnes of fishing opportunities, worth an estimated £830 million, the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has said.
The UK has participated in multilateral consultations which brings the total UK fishing opportunities secured in deals to £840 million. This includes an increase of bluefin tuna quota from 63 tonnes up to 231 tonnes.
The deals come amid challenging scientific evidence showing that certain stocks, such as cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice are under significant pressure.
As part of the agreements all parties are required to take action to recover stocks and safeguard them for future generations.
Fisheries Minister, Dame Angela Eagle, said: “This year, more than others, it has been vitally important to respond to concerning scientific evidence about fish stock levels. By working closely with the EU, Norway and other countries, the UK has secured over 520,000 tonnes of valuable fishing opportunities for British fisheries next year while taking action to safeguard stocks for future generations.
“This is a balanced and sustainable approach which will help recover important stocks to healthy and productive levels whilst also giving fishing communities the opportunities they need to thrive.”
As an independent coastal state, the UK negotiates with other coastal states each year to manage shared fisheries.
These talks determine the total allowable catches (TACs) for around 100 fish stocks – setting limits on how much can be caught the following year based on the health and vulnerability of each stock, and ensuring that fishing levels respond to the latest scientific advice about which stocks need protection and which can sustain higher catches.
As part of the bilateral deal with the EU, the UK secured fishing opportunities of 150,000 tonnes for the UK fishing industry worth around £430 million, based on historic landing prices. The UK also secured continued access to fish non-quota stocks in EU waters, worth around £25 million in 2024.
In response to the depleted status of cod, whiting, haddock, sole and plaice stocks in the Celtic Sea, Irish Sea and Channel, the agreement will see the introduction of new technical measures for EU and UK vessels to reduce overfishing of these vulnerable stocks.
