Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead has received reassurances that the EU is fully committed to resolving the issue of increased mackerel quotas by the Faroes and Iceland.
Mr Lochhead has spoken with European Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki, who pledged that the EU would work closely with Scotland and the UK to decide on the measures that could be taken over the arbitrary quota setting.
At the end of July the Faroe Islands set a quota for mackerel of 85,000 tonnes for this year, more than three times their previous total allowable catch (TAC), which follows a recent decision by Iceland to declare themselves a quota of 130,000 tonnes and could destabilise global mackerel stocks.
Richard Lochhead said:
“Scotland has the first large-scale mackerel fishery in Europe to be accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council – efforts that could be undermined by the short-sighted actions of the Faroes and Iceland.
“It is clear that action to address this situation needs to come from the EU, which is why I welcome the strong stance from Commissioner Damanaki, who has confirmed to me that no options are off the table to achieve a resolution and that Scotland and the UK will be closely involved in the process. Ms Damanaki also confirmed that she would see that a meeting is organised with representatives of both the Faroese and Icelandic governments in early September.
“This issue transcends diplomatic relationships or regional rivalries because the very future and sustainability of global mackerel stocks is at stake. That’s why I believe the sooner everyone can come to the negotiating table the better.”
