Tensions over fisheries around the North Atlantic have been simmering for some time, culminating in the shock recommendation by ICES earlier this week to slash the mackerel TAC by 70% – which was preceded by a bullish statement by Norwegian fishing vessel operators singling out the EU updating its toolchest when it comes to addressing poor management of fisheries by third countries.
Speaking on behalf of European industry body Europêche, Iván López commented that the reform of the regulation in question (EU No 1026/2012) has been in the pipeline for some time and this shouldn’t take anyone by surprise.
‘This affects countries that sell their fish on European markets, and Europe can expect those who do so to be responsible fishermen. I feel that Europe is entitled to say that,’ he said and commented that while the Norwegian operators may get the impression that the revision of Regulation EU No 1026/2012 is directed at them, this has a significantly wider scope – extending also to fishing nations on Europe’s southern borders and beyond.
‘There are complications for Norway. They have to cope with Russia on the point of setting its own TACs for cod, which could happen at any moment,’ he said.
‘What the Norwegians have to understand is that while they have the fish in their waters, they sell that fish to the EU and there has to be a balance. They have to talk to everyone, and not try to play one side off against another.’
He commented that the situation for cod is easier to balance, with a relatively small proportion of the overall fishing opportunities in question – but the pelagic situation is different.
‘Pelagics are a huge challenge. Norway is upping the ante, trying to secure more quota. That’s difficult to swallow,’ Iván López said.
‘The ICES recommendation for mackerel comes as a tremendous shock. But it’s irresponsible to not come to terms with reality. If we can’t come to terms on fishing, then what example are we setting to the rest of the world?’
