North Sea cod have shown an encouraging recent trend

The EU executive has suggested there should be a 25% cut in cod catches for most EU waters, although the northern North Sea will have an 11% increase.

The commission wants a reduction in catches in the majority of fisheries, including a 15% cut for North Sea sole and a 41% cut in North Sea herring.

Europe's fisheries ministers meet in December to set final quotas.

European Fisheries Commissioner Joe Borg said: "The most recent advice from [the scientists] confirms that while the situation remains broadly stable, indeed with some encouraging developments in certain fisheries, most stocks remain over-fished.

COMMISSION RECCOMENDATIONS Cod: -25% (Most areas) Cod: +11% (N-North Sea) Northern hake: +2.5% Bay of Biscay sole: -8% Southern hake: +15% Norway lobster: -15% North Sea plaice: -15% North Sea sole: -15% North Sea Herring: -41% Blue whiting: -32% Bay of Biscay anchovy: Closed North Sea sandeel: Closed North Sea sprat: +15%

"We must make further efforts if we are to achieve progress towards sustainable fisheries."

The state of European fisheries is assessed each year by the Denmark-based International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (Ices).

In October, it said the number of young cod in the North Sea had shown a slight rise for the second year in a row.

However, Ices warned that heavy cuts in cod catches were still needed to help numbers recover.

It called for a 50% cut in 2006 catch levels.

The recommendations on Total Allowable Catches (TACs) announced by the commission will be considered by EU fisheries ministers on 17-19 December.