The four nations in the UK are to be given greater power to manage their own fishing quotas, following an agreement reached by Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon (pictured) and the devolved governments.

Under the agreement, the UK, Scottish and Welsh Governments, and the Northern Ireland Executive will each be allocated annually-agreed shares of UK-wide fish quotas for distribution to their own fleets. They will be based on the number of boats in each area and the quota they already receive. However, fishing vessels will be free to move their operations to other parts of the UK.

The new arrangements will replace the present system where the UK Government allocates quotas directly to fishermen and to the producer organisations that manage quotas. The new system will allow each country to adapt quota allocations to best suit fleets in different parts of the UK.

Richard Benyon said: "By giving each nation greater control of quotas we will all be able to be more flexible on how quota is allocated to individual boats. This will enable the UK to move quota around to where it is needed and as a result we hope to see a reduction in discards. This agreement will also make it easier to manage fisheries across the UK and is a significant step forward for the fishing industry.

Richard Lochhead, Scotland's Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs and the Environment, welcomed the agreement, saying: "It is a good step forward that allows administrations to advance the interests of their fleets and communities. Scotland's diverse fleet catches over two thirds of the UK's quotas and makes a crucial contribution to the Scottish economy and the success of our coastal communities.

"The flexibility that this agreement offers will provide new opportunities to better support our vital fishing communities, developing solutions through co-management with our fishing industry. The Scottish Government also reiterates our commitment to meeting our international obligations."

Alun Davies, Welsh Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and European Programmes, agreed: "I am pleased that we have now reached an agreement on the UK Fisheries Concordat that will enable Wales to meet its policy priorities to fully manage its fishing fleet and fishing opportunities," he said.

"There is still work to be undertaken following agreement of the concordat before we can implement these changes, and we will be working with the devolved administrations over the coming months to make this happen."

Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, added: "I am pleased that the four fisheries administrations have come to an agreement on the future management of quota and licensing which can accommodate the individual needs and policy priorities that each have for the development of their fishing fleets."