News / Fleets boycott Faroe talks
SCOTLAND’S pelagic fleet have joined fishermen from the rest of the European Union by declaring a boycott of Tuesday’s international fisheries meeting in Faroe.
The meeting has been organised by the Nordic Council to discuss a range of issues surrounding the catching of herring and mackerel in the north east Atlantic.
Scottish MEP Struan Stevenson will use the meeting to stress the fury amongst EU fishermen about Faroe and Iceland’s unilateral increase in the mackerel quota, though it is understood there will be no official representation from Brussels or any EU member state.
Scotland’s fishing industry has decided its point can be made more effectively by refusing to co-operate with the two island nations until the current dispute is resolved.
The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association was due to attend the meeting in the Torshavn but has now given its formal notification of withdrawal.
However the industry is backing Mr Stevenson attending to highlight their concerns.
SPFA chief executive Ian Gatt said: “We want to send a very clear signal to the Faroese and Icelanders that their dangerous and irresponsible decision to significantly increase their mackerel quotas is not something the international community will tolerate.
“It goes against scientific advice and will have a detrimental impact on a stock that has been looked after and sustainably fished by the Scottish fleet. The irresponsible actions of both nations could undo the years of hard work and sacrifice made by the Scottish industry.
“If Iceland and the Faroes do discuss stock management at tomorrow’s meeting, they will be doing so in a vacuum because none of the major stakeholders in the fishery will be there.
“The only way this issue is going to be resolved is through direct talks. We are committed to ensuring a satisfactory deal is struck, but not at any price. It is particularly important that any final agreement ensures that the mackerel stock is properly protected.”
Meanwhile, the Scottish industry will meet with MSPs in Edinburgh on Thursday to brief them on the dispute.
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 600 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.