In a letter from the Faroese Fisheries Minister Jacob Vestergaard, he wrote the following in response to Damanaki’s visit to the Faroe Islands, where the European fisheries commissioner, among other things had suggested similar quotas for mackerel for both Iceland and the Faroe Islands.
Dear Commissioner,
Let me first thank you for your open and constructive approach to the mackerel issue. Our
discussions in the Faroe Islands earlier this week were indeed helpful for the further
negotiation process regarding this shared stock.
During our very first meeting in MiW06;vagur last Wednesday, you proposed that the Faroe
Islands and Iceland should have an identical share of mackerel in terms ofthe allocation key.
Your proposal was reiterated during our second and final meeting in T6rshavn last Thursday.
Since Thursday, I have carefully considered your proposal, and in due course drawn the
conclusion that I cannot accept a future Faroese share of mackerel, which is identical to a
future Icelandic share and far below 15 per cent of the TAC. As I clearly stated during our
discussions earlier this week, there has to be a gap between these two coastal states’ future
shares of mackerel, which is in favour of the Faroe Islands. It is my firm position that the
Faroe Islands as a core coastal state should be treated as such in a future sharing
arrangement for mackerel.
Notwithstanding my position, I kindly call upon you to continue your admirable efforts to
identify a solution to this complex issue. I would also like to reassure you that I strongly
support you in your endeavour to find a compromise between the coastal states, as far as a
future sharing arrangement for mackerel is concerned. Finally, I would like to emphasise
that the Faroe Island.
Kilde: Fiskimàlardid
FiskerForum.com
