The chair of the European Parliament’s Fisheries Committee, Chris Davies MEP, has threatened sanctions against Iceland and Greenland unless they back down over increased mackerel quotas.
Both Iceland and Greenland have increased their mackerel quotas, while ICES had recommended a 20% cut in mackerel catches for 2019.
"The argument is between short term greed or long term sustainability,” Chris Davies said.
"Mackerel can be plentiful so long as we manage the stocks with care. When the scientific evidence is contradictory we should adopt a precautionary approach. Iceland is acting irresponsibly. The country is supposed to be our partner, but its actions are anything but friendly and we should respond strongly.”
He commented that this move is set against a backdrop of increasing pressure on fishing vessels from across the world, in particular in the North Sea, to reduce their amount of fishing or face a bleak future, with dwindling stocks a realistic prospect for the fishing industry.
Last week, Chris Davies met Brian Isbister, Chair of The Shetland Fish Producers' Organisation to discuss the issues faced by fishing vessels from the Shetland Islands, as well as exploring appropriate measures which might be levelled at Iceland and Greenland, should they continue to disregard scientific advice and internationally agreed policy.
"The European Commission is making very clear that, Brexit or no Brexit, it intends to support Scottish fishermen. I welcome this, but strong words are not enough,” Chris Davies said.
"The EU should be prepared to apply sanctions that will make clear that Iceland's behaviour is unacceptable."
