BRUSSELS—European Union nations are trying to find ways to protect fish stocks in once-bountiful fishing grounds in the Atlantic but without killing off fishermen's jobs.
EU fisheries ministers began a two-day meeting Monday to consider a recommendation by the European Commission that the allowable catch of cod, whose numbers are declining quickly, be cut by as much as to 50 percent. The traditional year-end haggling between the fishing industry and environmentalists over the limits usually dilutes the recommendations.
"We will try to find an agreement, of course," said Belgian fisheries Minister Kris Peeters, who is leading the meeting. "But it is not going to be easy."
The ministers hope to reach a compromise Tuesday.
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