The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) has presented a report emphasising that there is a need to introduce a total ban on cod fishing in the North Sea, the Skagerrak and Kattegat during 2007. The Swedish Board of Fisheries gives its backing to the report and maintains that a total ban is essential if cod stocks are to recover. Criticism has also been levelled at the current quota system. The Swedish Fishermen's Federation and the recently appointed Swedish Minister for Fisheries advocate fishing days rather than fish quotas. At the present time, large quantities of cod are thrown overboard in order to comply with the quota rules.

Will the Presidency advocate a total ban on cod fishing in the North Sea, the Skagerrak and Kattegat? What are the Presidency's views on the proposal to introduce specific fishing days instead of a quota system?