Aberdeen meeting was instigated by the Ambassador and organised by Colin Crosby the Icelandic Consul in Aberdeen. The main topic for discussion was the acutely difficult and unresolved issue of the international management of the North East Atlantic mackerel stock – specifically Iceland’s approach of catching a significantly increased quota this year without the bounds of any international agreement.
The discussion was useful in providing clarity to the Ambassador of the Scottish industry’s strong views on the issue, which reflect those of the EU and Norway in the negotiations. Speaking after the meeting, Ian Gatt said that the main importance of a sustainable mackerel fishery to the Scottish pelagic fleet and the communities it supports was spelled out to Jonsson.
Armstrong mentioned that it was very useful to meet an Icelandic representative at Jonsson’s level. There was gap remains between viewpoints but overall they have all agreed that an even-handed solution to the dispute is in the best interests of all. The end result must protect the interests of the current stakeholders of the mackerel fishery, of which the Scottish fleet is a major player.
