Richard Lochhead, Fisheries Secretary said that the publication of the latest advice on pelagic stock levels from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) – and in particular the very poor state of the Blue whiting stock – should act as a stark warning about the potential devastating effect of overfishing of mackerel stocks.
According to Lochhead he and European Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki had discussed plans for strong action from the EU if Iceland and the Faroe Islands refuse to be reasonable in formal negotiations over mackerel catches due to take place later this month. He informed that the ICES advised to come to a resolution for ongoing mackerel dispute with Iceland and the Faroes because Blue whiting opportunities are set to decrease.
The EU chose to set quotas in line with scientific advice whilst pursuing an international agreement for responsible management. However, while an agreement was eventually reached in 2005 it came too late to prevent collapse of the stock. Nobody was a winner in this case. Lochhead said that the mackerel stock is expanding in size and geographical coverage and this is reflected by the ICES advice. This is largely thanks to the sustainable management of the stock by coastal states, up until the recent breakdown of arrangements. It is of utmost importance, therefore, that all coastal states abide by the long-term management plan for the stock in 2011, which will be vital if we are to avoid a repeat of the Blue whiting fiasco.
