Memo: The EU and Norway agree on a recovery strategy for North Sea cod stocks

Following negotiations in Brussels on 18,19 and 23 January 2001, the European Union and Norway agreed on a conservation strategy to help the recovery of depleted cod stocks in the North Sea. The emergency measures will include setting up a temporary controlled area where spawning takes place. All fisheries likely to catch cod will temporarily be forbidden in this area to allow the maximum survival of fish from the reproductive activity of this year's spawning stock. As cod live at the bottom of the sea, pelagic fisheries (directed at mid-water species) will be allowed to continue during this period. Technical and control measures will also be put in place and will include special fishing permits, reporting requirements and the presence of observers on board vessels for part of the time for the pelagic fisheries in the controlled zone. The European Commission and Norway will meet again on 22.1.01 to discuss the detail of the technical and control measures