The ongoing mackerel dispute that has the European Union and Norway pitted against Iceland and the Faeroes “could define the future” of Scotland’s pelagic fishing fleet, according to the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association and Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.
The groups’ comments come as fisheries officials meet in London this week for coastal state consultations. At stake is resolving the row over the decision by Iceland and the Faeroes to increase their mackerel quotas significantly this year.
In addition to the outcry from Scottish fishermen and politicians, European Union Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki has denounced the quota increases, recently calling them “nothing short of unacceptable.” Ian Gatt, CEO of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, called this week’s talks in London a “defining moment” for Scottish fishermen.
“We have seen what uncontrolled fishing has done to the blue whiting stock with the latest scientific advice recommending a huge cut in quota by 93 percent for next year. This must not be allowed to happen to mackerel, and it is essential that a sensible deal is reached this week,” said Gatt, who’s also a member of the Pelagic Regional Advisory Council.
“We previously had a long-term management plan in place for mackerel that has resulted in a healthy stock, but this is now in jeopardy due to the irresponsible actions of Iceland and the Faroes,” he added. “It is important that any deal reached this week results in a new long-term international management plan for mackerel that is in line with scientific advice and protects Scotland’s historical share of the catch quota.”
Talks in London are scheduled to conclude on Thursday.
All Supply & Trade stories >