United Kingdom and Norway - fisheries consultations: agreed record for 2023

Control and enforcement

9.1 The Delegations recalled the longstanding cooperation between the Parties' respective control authorities, which entails both strategic and operational cooperation throughout the entire value chain. The Delegations share the view that efficient and trustworthy Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) measures are key factors in a comprehensive management regime targeting sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources. 

9.2 The Delegations noted that the framework of this cooperation had been reviewed in 2022. They welcomed the fact that the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries and the UK signed on 31 October 2022 a bilateral agreement containing arrangements to improve compliance with fisheries management measures, set out in Annex II. These arrangements mandate cooperation on risk management, sharing information and cooperation on improved MCS measures within the framework of a joint Compliance Forum. The Delegations agreed that the Compliance Forum will meet at least annually and as appropriate.

9.3 The Forum should provide to the Delegations an update on its work including any proposals on MCS measures well in advance of their bilateral consultations for 2024.

9.4 The Delegations noted the good cooperation this year to implement the relevant technical regulations that apply to vessels fishing in the waters of the other Party. Furthermore, the Delegations agreed to further refine in early 2023 the Technical Annex to the Agreed Record of Consultations on Fisheries between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Kingdom of Norway. The Delegations aimed to agree revisions to the Technical Annex, which sets out the operational guidance, by the end of February 2023. Those agreed revisions will apply during 2023 where appropriate.