Fishing quotas agreed at marathon talks

Drastic cuts in fishing were agreed today after 26 gruelling hours of talks in Brussels.

Reductions ranging from 25% to 58% in next year’s catch quotas were vital in the interests of long-term conservation, EU Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler said.

The cuts are less draconian than last year.

The same message has been delivered year after year, with the European Commission blaming ministers’ refusal to follow scientific advice for the failure of the promised revival of stocks.

This year Mr Fischler urged member states to take responsibility, warning that supplies of main fish species, particularly cod and hake, were close to extinction.

‘‘I think the deal we have got is acceptable’’ said Mr Fischler emerging from the meeting.

‘‘Reason has triumphed. We are still of the view that it is better to go through this difficult period and see fishing stocks restored in the future rather than taking risks.’’

He insisted there was still a ‘‘glimmer of hope’’ for beleaguered fishermen.

‘‘We have lighted a small light for them. We want to send the message that if they accept these measures to enable stocks to recover, that effort will be rewarded in future.’’

The negotiations were the toughest for years with ministers under intense pressure to resist the temptation to demand national fishing quotas next year above the recommendations of the scientists.