The European Commission has expressed its concerns over the mackerel arrangement between Norway, the UK, Iceland and the Faroe Islands that was announced earlier this month, and which was concluded without consulting the EU.
‘This arrangement poses serious risks for the sustainability of the mackerel stock and undermines the legitimate interests of the European Union’s fishing industry,’ a European Commission representative stated, commenting that ICES has issued scientific advice, recommending a TAC of no more than 174,357 tonnes for 2026.
‘However, the four-party arrangement sets a TAC of 299,010 tonnes, which is 72% higher than the recommended level. This excessive exploitation exacerbates the problem of overfishing and threatens the long-term sustainability of the stock.’
Taking into account the estimated 100,000-tonne annual catch by Russia, fishing pressure stands to reach approximately 400,000 tonnes – significantly in excess of the ICES recommendation.
‘This level of fishing pressure poses a significant risk of irreversible damage to the mackerel population and jeopardises the livelihoods of those who depend on it,’ the Commission’s spokesperson commented.
‘The European Union has set a provisional TAC in line with the best available scientific advice, as required by applicable law and in line with/including the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA). The four-party arrangement undermines the EU’s efforts to ensure a sustainable management of this shared stock.’
The Commission will seek further clarification from the four parties involved and will assess the compliance of this arrangement with international law, including with the TCA.
‘We urge all parties to reconsider their decision and work towards a more sustainable management of the North-East Atlantic mackerel stock, in line with the best available scientific advice.’
