At the end of July, the Faroe Islands set a quota for North Atlantic mackerel of 85,000 tonnes for this year. This is 15 per cent of the recommended total allowable catch (TAC), and far in excess of their previous four per cent share. This follows a recent decision by Iceland to claim a quota of 130,000 tonnes.
Previously the ‘Coastal States’ grouping, which includes the EU, Iceland, Faroe Islands (represented by Denmark), Norway and the Russian Federation, has agreed a TAC based upon ICES advice and then set quotas for each state with an entitlement. There are protocols that determine quotas plus some negotiating flexibility. There is currently uncertainty as to the distribution of the North Atlantic mackerel stock, the extent to which it is showing long-term trends and disagreement as to how allocations should be made. As a result there are disputes as to entitlements and the allocation process is in abeyance.
The EU Commission has stated that the claims by Iceland and Faroe were “in clear contradiction with the avowed objective of sustainable fisheries”, and could result in the collapse of the stock. In the absence of a formal management regime Iceland claims to be acting legally in setting a quota within its own EEZ.
Philip MacMullen, Head of Environmental Responsibility at Seafish, said:
“The UK has a long history of fishing pelagic stocks such as mackerel and herring and a very strong interest in the responsible management of these species.
“Given our understanding of the possible long-term changes in their distribution it’s essential that Regional Fishery Management Organisations, are flexible enough to accommodate the movements of these highly migratory fish. We should be past the time when states can make unilateral declarations of entitlement to fish that have historically been subject to a comprehensive management scheme. Stocks must be managed responsibly and according to best scientific advice.
“This dispute involves a number of uncertainties and has significant conservation and commercial implications. All parties to the dispute over North Atlantic mackerel should be prepared to negotiate towards a solution as soon as possible. Responsible stewardship of our precious fish stocks must be the paramount consideration and we would urge this as the starting point for talks.”
