‘Mackerel wars’ threat to Scots fishing industry

Published on Saturday 28 January 2012 02:22

NEW talks aimed at finding a solution to the so-called “mackerel wars” have ended in deadlock, with Scottish ministers warning the ongoing row is jeopardising the future of the industry.

The north-east Atlantic mackerel industry is estimated to be worth more than £1 billion, and Scotland’s share is expected to be about 20 per cent of the total catch.

However, Richard Lochhead, Scotland’s fisheries secretary, said this could be harmed by a third year in succession without an international deal on the division of catches.

A spokesman for Mr Lochhead said: “Negotiations have taken place in Bergen this week between the EU, Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland, to seek agreement on each country’s mackerel quotas for 2012 and beyond.

“Talks closed today with a decision to resume discussions in early February. Three previous rounds have failed to reach a deal for 2012, while numerous rounds of talks since 2009 have been unsuccessful.”

Mr Lochhead said: “Mackerel is a healthy and highly sought-after product, as illustrated by increasing landing prices in recent years.

“However, unless we all commit to meaningful negotiations, a £1bn fishery could be compromised.”

He added: “If fishing continues at current levels, we face the prospect of the mackerel stock falling below safe limits by as early as 2014. That’s why Scotland’s priority is to secure an international agreement.”

Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, said: “It is apparent that the EU and Norway are continually making fresh offers to try and achieve a breakthrough, but both Iceland and the Faroes are refusing to move an inch from their position.”

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Hector the Lessor

Sunday, January 29, 2012 at 09:31 AM

Pending Moderation

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HAMISH21

Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 02:14 PM

i havent seen the EU doing much about the ongoing mackerel dispute so far hector. all talk and no action! Its disapointing to see someone not too far from the heart of the fishing industry with such a poor opinion on the matters at hand. plenty scottish fishermen willing to pay the wages of the people of aberdeen

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Aberdeen lad

Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 11:29 AM

Scottish fishermen are nothing but theives.

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James I

Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 10:37 AM

Aye Hector. Why would any Scottish fisherman want an independent Scottish government representing them when they have the might of the EU representing their interests.

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Hector the Lessor

Saturday, January 28, 2012 at 07:47 AM

Well lets face it, Iceland and the Faroes may not have the strength of the EU backing up their claim. You cannot beat the EU for protecting Scottish fishing interests. Enoch Powell said the same, or maybe something similar back in 1975. You would have to Google it to listen to his speech.

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