News / EU sanctions lifted, but…
THE DISPUTE over fishing rights in the north east Atlantic seems to be far from over, despite an announcement that EU sanctions against Faroe are to be lifted soon.
As part of the deal, the Faroese government said on Thursday that it would cut the islands’ 2014 quota for Atlanto-Scandinavian herring by 57 per cent to 40,000 tonnes.
But the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) immediately responded by saying the Faroese were only entitled to 21,500 tonnes, their share of the 2014 total allowable catch of 418,487 tonnes to be shared between all coastal states.
The SPFA has warned that a political settlement to lift the sanctions should not reward the Faroese for their overfishing.
Last year Faroe increased its share unilaterally from 32,000 to 105,000 tonnes, sparking a bitter row that led to Faroese vessels being banned from EU ports.
SPFA chief executive Ian Gatt said: “It is clear that these sanctions are having an effect as the Faroese are contesting the move in the international courts.
“This year the scientific advice states that 419,000 tonnes can be caught amongst all the coastal states, which would give the Faroes a share of 21,500 tonnes.
“If the Faroese set themselves a quota higher than this, then clearly the EC will have made a huge mistake in removing its sanctions lever.
“If this does happen, then we will be strongly pressing the Scottish and UK governments not to support this proposal.”
On the other side of the argument, the Faroese prime minister Kaj Leo Holm welcomed the development.
He said: “The Faroe Islands and the EU are partners in many important areas, and I am confident that we can now use this opportunity to start afresh with a new focus on improving our trade relations and enhancing cooperation in many other areas as well.”
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.