Fisheries Iceland has issued a statement expressing discontent over the trilateral mackerel agreement between Norway, the UK and the Faroes. Photo: Fisheries Iceland
Statement from Fisheries Iceland, the Association of Icelandic Fishing Companies
In a recent development, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, and Norway have signed an agreement on the allocation of mackerel quotas and access to fishing within the jurisdictions of the United Kingdom and Norway.
This agreement, which excludes the EU, Iceland, and Greenland, will be valid until the end of 2026. Fisheries Iceland, representing the nation’s fishing industry, has voiced strong concerns over this arrangement, highlighting its potential to exacerbate overfishing and undermine sustainable fishing practices.
Limited Agreement Among Coastal States
The agreement signed this week includes only three out of six coastal states, leaving the EU, Iceland, and Greenland outside the arrangement. As a result, this agreement does not cover the entire fishery or fishing area necessary for mackerel fishing to be considered sustainable and responsible. Despite the agreement, a comprehensive solution involving all coastal states is essential to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of mackerel stocks.
Quota Distribution Concerns
Under the new arrangement, the United Kingdom, the Faroe Islands, and Norway will take nearly 72% of the total allowable catch for mackerel in 2024. This leaves just 28% for the EU, Iceland, and Greenland, whose combined share in 2023 was 45.64%, as well as Russia, which took a 15.10% share. Fisheries Iceland argues that this agreement merely cements unacceptable overfishing of mackerel, predicting that total quotas will exceed scientific recommendations by about 133% in 2024.
Responsibility and Sustainability
Fisheries Iceland emphasises the significant value of shared mackerel stock and the collective responsibility of all coastal states to ensure its sustainability. The statement criticises the three-country agreement, suggesting it demonstrates a lack of commitment to shared responsibility and long-term stock protection.
Iceland’s Commitment to Sustainable Fishing
Heidrun Lind Marteinsdóttir CEO of Iceland Fisheries
Heiðrún Lind Marteinsdóttir, CEO of Fisheries Iceland, expressed pride in Iceland’s sustainable fishing practices. Fish is a cornerstone of Iceland’s society and economy, accounting for about 40% of the country’s exports. Through a sensible fisheries management system and a scientific approach, Iceland has managed to maintain fish stocks within its jurisdiction while creating significant value from the resource.
Call for Cooperative Management
Marteinsdóttir lamented that not all coastal states approach shared fish stocks like mackerel with the same commitment to sustainability. Fisheries Iceland urges a unified and responsible approach among all coastal states to ensure the growth and sustainability of mackerel for future generations. The organisation remains hopeful that such an approach can eventually be achieved through cooperative management and shared responsibility.