AIPCE.CEP calls for urgent political solution to mackerel crisis

AIPCE.CEP stressed that while the processing industry supports decisions based on scientific advice, it believes the resulting market downturn will have a severe effect on companies and consumers across Europe.

The latest catch advice, issued by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), is a direct result of the long-standing failure of coastal states to reach a sustainable fisheries management agreement. ICES’ proposed 70% cut would reduce the total allowable catch to just 174,375 tonnes, a dramatic decrease from the current 576,958 tonnes.

AIPCE.CEP stated that this drastic measure is the “unfortunate but necessary consequence” of years of over-catching, which has occurred because coastal states have not yet reached a consensus on a joint management plan.

The EU has made significant efforts to respect and adhere to traditional quota arrangements, but a collective framework is essential for long-term sustainability, it said..

The association warned repercussions for the European seafood sector will be “immediate and severe”, including:

• Industry viability – the reduction threatens the viability of numerous processing businesses, particularly medium-sized plants in countries like Poland, where mackerel is the second most important fish species. Companies specialising in products like smoked mackerel in the Netherlands face the loss of tens of millions of euros in turnover
• Market instability and consumer impact – the drastic reduction in supply will lead to a very high rise in prices, making this traditionally affordable and healthy fish inaccessible for many European families. Major retailers in some European countries have already announced they will remove mackerel from their shelves due to pressure from NGOs, further destabilising the market
• Reputational damage – there is significant concern that this situation will damage consumer confidence in seafood sustainability as a whole, creating the false perception that all fish stocks are being mismanaged

“Our industry is facing a crisis created by political inaction,” said Guus Pastoor, Chairmen of the AIPCE Board. “We support the EU’s efforts, as current chair of the consultations, to work towards a comprehensive and sustainable long-term agreement. We urge all coastal states to reject unilateral actions, commit to the negotiation process, and finally take responsibility for a sustainable outcome. Failure is no longer an option.”

AIPCE.CEP is not challenging the scientific basis for the advice. Instead, the association calls for immediate and decisive action to address the root cause of this crisis: the lack of a political agreement.

It asks that public authorities support the market by clearly communicating that any mackerel legally caught by the EU vessels under the established quota is a responsible choice and should be bought and sold without hesitation. The association further calls on the European Commission to help facilitate access to alternative sources from global markets. The processing industry is committed to sustainability and will continue to supply the market with legal and responsibly sourced products.