Cod stocks in EU waters have declined by 30% in the last year, meaning that some fishermen are having trouble filling their catch quotas.
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Quotas have been sized down because of the decline and may be cut even further if the decline continues. The decline in stocks may also result in the closure of some fishing grounds.
In some areas cod stocks have halved over the last decade.
EU Fisheries Commissioner Franz Fischler has told ministers that more must be done beyond launching tougher fishing quotas. He suggested increased fishing bans during spawning, and tougher penalties for fishermen who make illegal catches.
The 15 EU fisheries ministers are likely to work on finalising an agreement by the end of the year, reported Ananova.
