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Even though the goal is to reach an agreement in the next three days, many are not confident the talks will succeed. (Photo: YouTube/liarpoliticians)
Mackerel negotiations under way
UNITED KINGDOM
Tuesday, October 12, 2010, 23:20 (GMT + 9)
Mackerel quota negotiations regarding Iceland and the Faroe Islands have begun in London. Both countries face sanctions over their unilaterally declared large catch quotas, which many worry endanger the stock’s health.
The European Union (EU), Norway, Iceland and the Faroes will all partake in the quota talks. Scottish fishing representatives, who expect the negotiations will be “very difficult and challenging,” are hoping to reach a resolution.
Iceland has conventionally landed small amounts of mackerel. However, because Icelandic fishers say stocks have been shifting north into their waters, the country this year unilaterally set its quota at 130,000 tonnes, claiming it is fishing within its own territory, BBC reports.
The Faroe Islands this year amplified their quota from 25,000 to 85,000 tonnes.
Mackerel is the Scottish industry’s most lucrative stock, brining in GBP 135 million (EUR 154.3 million) into the economy in 2009. Fishers argue the countries’ quota increases are unjust and unsustainable.
The Scottish Fishermen's Federation (SFF) and the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen's Association (SPFA) said they would be pushing for a resolution that would be fair and protect the stock from overfishing.
"Two or three years of this will mean a serious hole in fish stocks. This is a defining moment for our fishermen and the implications from the talks could shape the future direction of our industry,” said SPFA Chief Executive Ian Gatt, reports Aberdeen Press and Journal.
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"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.
Earlier this month, EU Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki assured she would protect the union’s interests.
North Atlantic mackerel stocks have in recent years been managed cautiously, but Iceland and the Faroe Islands argue that the EU is refusing significant negotiation as a result.
Fridrik Arngrimsson, chief executive of the Federation of Icelandic Fishing Vessel Owners, believes the country’s catches are sustainable.
Even though the goal is to reach an agreement in the next three days, he said he was not confident the talks will succeed.
The quarrel has led to confrontations.
In August, fishers blockaded a Faroese vessel attempting to land its mackerel catch in Peterhead. The boat then had to leave port, unable to land its GBP 400,000 (EUR 457,188) catch.
Related articles:
- Ministry says Icelandic mackerel quota is 'completely justified'
- Scottish fishermen welcome EC stance on mackerel dispute
By Natalia Real
[email protected]
www.seafood.media
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