As the European Commission meets today to discuss, among other topics, whether to levy sanctions against the Faroe Islands for overfishing mackerel and herring, the Icelandic fisheries ministry is calling for a coastal states meeting to try to resolve the conflict.
Iceland’s Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, has sent a letter to his counterparts in the E.U., Norway and the Faroe Islands, asking for the meeting.
“We need to take bold action,” he said. “Resolving this issue cannot wait and that is why we have called this meeting. Iceland is leading the drive for a diplomatic solution and again has demonstrated the unequivocal commitment of our government to finding an outcome that benefits all.”
The issue of mackerel overfishing has been simmering for years, as Iceland and the Faroes have increased their quotas for the fish, in what their officials say is a response to the migration of mackerel stocks into their countries’ waters.
But critics in the E.U. and Norway say the increased quotas will put the stocks at risk. They have pointed out that similar meetings of the nations referred to as “Coastal States” have failed to come to an agreement over quotas, and E.U. commissioners have been threatening for some time to levy sanctions against Iceland and the Faroes unless they lower their quotas.
Despite these criticisms, Jóhannsson said the E.U. and Norway have agreed to the meeting, which will take place in early September. The minister said he hopes the negotiations will prevent ugly confrontations and sanctions.
“Threatening illegal sanctions, which are in breach of World Trade Organization rules, will not resolve this debate and will only delay a diplomatic solution,” he said. “For the well-being of our country and the North Atlantic, we must reach an agreement. We stand ready to play our part.”
