The North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA) has confirmed a two-year extension to its fishery improvement projects, highlighting the critical need for responsible management of pelagic fisheries.
Initially set to finish in 2024, the extension to 2026 underscores the urgency of securing sustainable quotas for mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring.
Chair of NAPA, Aoife Martin, called the issue ‘too critical to walk away from’. “Despite three years of relentless efforts from NAPA, the political deadlock has remained,” she said.
“Coastal states have continued to prioritise their own interests over the sustainable management of these stocks, leading to continued overfishing.
“Over the next two years, our coalition will redouble efforts to propose actionable solutions for coastal states, and we’ll be developing and sharing novel research to support these initiatives.”
NAPA launched these projects in 2021 to encourage collaboration among fishery managers. Recent data from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea reveals alarming declines in pelagic stocks, with recommended quota reductions of up to 40% for mackerel in 2025.
Dr Rob Blyth-Skyrme, an experienced seafood consultant, has joined NAPA as project lead to spearhead efforts in navigating these challenges. “NAPA is the voice of the global market for pelagic seafood, and our message is loud and clear – we must follow the science,” he said.
“With coastal state negotiations happening this week, we urge leaders to recognise that the ONLY solution here is a political one.”
Despite the difficulties there have been some wins, such as a 2024 catch-sharing agreement among the UK, Norway and Faroe Islands. However other costal states, including the EU, Iceland and Greenland, have yet to join this crucial dialogue.
“The trilateral agreement shows that progress is possible,” continued Blyth-Skyrme. “However, it is only a stepping stone toward what is really needed – a comprehensive management agreement that includes all coastal states and adheres to scientific advice.”
