We were disappointed to learn that the European Union and Norway have again claimed 90% of the scientifically recommended 2013 total mackerel catch, leaving only 10% for the other coastal states – Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Russia, said Iceland’s Minister for Industry and Innovation, Steingrimur J. Sigfusson.
He commented following the 18 January announcement of the agreement concluded by the EU and Norway on 2013 quotas for North Sea shared stocks.
For the government of Iceland, this agreement ignores the changed migration pattern of the mackerel stock and the fact that the mackerel exists in considerable quantity in the jurisdiction of other states.
In 2012, according to a statement by the Icelandic minister, there were 1.5 million tonnes of mackerel in Icelandic waters, where they gained approximately 50% weight.
The key to solving the mackerel dispute is to take into account these changed circumstances and to respect the legitimate interests of all coastal states.
Reykjavik considers that it has submitted proposals that are fair to all coastal states and will protect the stock.
2012 Europolitics