Iceland threat to mackerel stocks as Norway agree to catch fewer fish

NORWAY has agreed to catch fewer fish in Irish waters, but mackerel stocks are under threat due to Iceland’s decision to walk away from talks with the EU.

Minister of State in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Sean Connick said the EU’s deal with Norway seems “fair and equitable”. However, he described Iceland’s plans to catch 138,000 tons of mackerel in 2011 as “unacceptable and reckless”.

Irish interest in the EU’s deal with Norway focuses on the swapping of fishing opportunities in each others waters. Historically, Ireland has been a net contributor of blue whiting and horse mackerel to western stocks. In exchange, Ireland has received a relatively small share of Nordic cod. Ireland fares far better in the new deal.

Mr Connick said: “This year the transfers to Norway do not come from western waters stocks, so Irish fishermen will not be paying for the fishing opportunities of others. This has to be seen as a successful outcome for Ireland.”

The deal was agreed in Bergen, Norway. The talks now shift to Copenhagen, Denmark, with a focus on mackerel stocks.

Iceland, however, will not attend the Copenhagen talks. Iceland’s decision to withdraw is of concern to Ireland, for whom mackerel is the single most important stock in economic terms.