The PRAC is calling for immediate action by the Commission to stop the "irresponsible" behaviour of Iceland and Norway of setting unilateral quotas and putting mackerel and horse mackerel stocks at risk of depletion.
Iceland has set a unilateral quota for mackerel for next year of 130,000 tonnes, 23% above the scientific advice, says the PRAC. Similarly Norway has set a unilateral quota for horse mackerel of 100,000 tonnes for this year, 55% above the scientific advice. Both countries have until recently had very small catches of these species.
Commenting on this, Iain MacSween Chairman of Pelagic RAC said: “The Pelagic RAC has devoted considerable time and effort in developing long-term management plans for mackerel and horse mackerel to ensure the sustainability of these stocks. Thanks to these efforts these stocks are in a healthy state. It is not acceptable that Iceland and Norway on a unilateral basis without any concern for sustainability of these stocks have effectively allowed unlimited fishing.” He added “I am very concerned if this irresponsible behaviour continues that these stocks will be depleted to such a degree that the economic viability of the pelagic industry will be put in jeopardy.”
The Pelagic RAC has sent a strong letter to the Commission requesting immediate action and copied the letter to Ms Carmen Fraga, the Chairperson of the European Parliament Fisheries Committee.
