New EU fish quota deal bodes well for fishermen

(AP) The European Union and fisheries nations say a deal with Norway on fish quotas in the North Sea is further proof of a move toward more efficient and sustainable fishing.

European Commission spokesman Oliver Drewes said the deal, on top of a December agreement on many other stocks within the EU itself, is a win-win for everybody. You see this very seldom.

The EU and Norway said fish stocks in the North Sea were developing so well they could approve increases of up to 18 percent on such species as haddock, saithe, whiting, plaice and herring. Cod quotas were maintained at their current level.

The increases, similar to those in December, were welcome news for fishermen after years of continued cuts.