Blue whiting

28.1.2015

Question for written answer P-001156-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Ian Duncan (ECR) , Peter van Dalen (ECR)

Since 2005, Norway has set a unilateral blue whiting quota for its fishermen that clearly exceeds the Norwegian share in this area of fishery. The Norwegians decided to increase their total allowable catch (TAC) for blue whiting for 2015 from 25.75% to 35%. This increase of more than 40% is totally unjustified and is not in accordance with the findings of the report drawn up by the working group responsible[1].

1. Does the Commission agree that this unilateral action by Norway is unjustified?

2. What has the Commission done so far to remedy the situation? What response has it received, and what is it planning to do next?

3. If Norway does not reverse its decision, does the Commission agree that the EU must increase its share to 50%, a level that corresponds much better to the actual distribution of stock present in EU waters?

• [1] Report of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) Working Group on collating information on the distribution of all life stages of blue whiting in the north‐east Atlantic and the distribution of catches from the stock.