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Government agrees on sustainable fishing quotas
The increased quotas include North Sea cod.

Quotas increase for North Sea cod and haddock

The UK government has secured ‘significant’ quota increases for key fish stocks at this year’s annual EU negotiations.

The increased quotas include North Sea cod (+10%), haddock (+23%), and monkfish (+20%). Stocks of cod and haddock are now accredited as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Challenges remain in some areas, for example in the Celtic Sea to revive stock of haddock and megrim. Quotas increased, however, for Western skates and rays, Bristol Channel plaice, sole and Celtic sea cod.

A further package of measures has been agreed on sea bass in an attempt to reverse the decline around the English coast.

Speaking after the negotiations in Brussels, fisheries minister George Eustice said: “The UK has long championed sustainable fishing and that is starting to yield results in some areas with a recovery in key stocks and increased quota as a result.

“Challenges remain in areas like the Celtic sea and on iconic species such as bass so further restrictions have been needed. As we prepare to leave the EU, we will place science-based fisheries management at the heart of future policy.”

Image (C) Finlay Fraser

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.