European Union ministers have reached a deal to regulate permitted fish catches in 2007, aimed at stimulating the recovery of depleted stocks.

During late-night talks, the ministers agreed a series of concessions offered by the European Commission, including a 14% cut in the North Sea cod catch.

Cod will also be further protected by a cut in the days vessels spend at sea.

Scientists say stocks will only recover if there is a total ban on cod fishing, but politicians ruled this out.