News / EU-Norway talks get under way
CRUCIAL talks between fisheries ministers from the EU and Norway are getting under way in Ireland on Tuesday. The aim is to set fish quotas for shared stocks in the North Sea.
Scottish Fishermen’s Federation chief executive Bertie Armstrong said the industry was determined to suffer quota cuts for mackerel as a result of the still-unresolved dispute with Iceland and Faroese.
The industry also wants to make progress for cod fishermen, and hopes the quota will simply be rolled over from 2012 to 2013 after averting a threatened 20 per cent reduction in the catch entitlement at the EU fisheries talks in December.
Armstrong said: “One of our main priorities at this week’s EU-Norway fisheries negotiations is to ensure that there is a sensible allocation of mackerel and that there is no move to adjust the quota so as to pander to the grossly irresponsible over-fishing of mackerel by Iceland and the Faroes.
“It would be perverse if our fleet, which has adopted sustainable fishing practices within an international management plan, was to suffer because of the piratical actions of other nations.”
He added that cod stocks were showing encouraging signs of recovery.
“It is imperative that the status quo is maintained on the North Sea cod quota. The science clearly indicates that the cod stock is recovering, and cutting the quota would simply lead to increased discarding because of the good quantities of fish that fishermen are encountering.”
Advice based on the EU-Norway management plan also recommends increases in quota for North Sea haddock, whiting, saithe and herring.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.