These talks represent a new opportunity for the EU and Norway to forge an international coastal states management agreement for mackerel with Iceland and the Faroes, which Scottish fishermen maintain is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, said: “We hope that after a period of reflection that Icelandic and Faroese representatives at the talks will recognise the need to strike a deal, which is essential given that the stock is still in good health.
“It is vital for the future of the Scottish mackerel sector that there is restoration of sensible and responsible mackerel management arrangements in the north-east Atlantic so as to secure the long-term sustainable future of the stock. However, whilst reaching a deal is important, it must not be done so at any cost and it needs to ensure that Scotland’s traditional mackerel catching rights are not compromised.”
