Scotland’s Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has welcomed the extended agreement – from three to four parties – between with the UK, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway on measures to manage Northeast Atlantic mackerel stocks.
Gougeon said the agreement to limit fishing by coastal states to around 107.5% of the total allowable catch (TAC), enhances sharing arrangements for Northeast Atlantic mackerel and delivers a measurable reduction in fishing pressure – “providing much needed stability for our important fishing industry and coastal communities”.
Without this cooperation, the TAC would be set at almost 118%, she said.
Parties have also agreed to set total allowable catches for 2026, in line with an MSY catch scenario - resulting in a decrease of -48% compared to 2025, though mitigates the headline advice of -70%.
“This outcome balances ecological recovery with socio-economic realities, avoiding extreme measures that could harm fishing communities while reducing pressure on the stock and enabling long-term recovery,” Gougeon said.
“Our overarching aim remains to achieve a fully comprehensive six-party sharing arrangement. Parties have committed to work in good faith to secure a full six-party agreement that includes the EU and Greenland. This interim deal keeps that door open.”
Scottish Government will continue to put its “full energy” behind the wider sharing consultations and seeking agreements based on robust evidence – ensuring the sustainability of this stock and Scotland’s fisheries long into the future, she added.
