Brussels, 06/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - At their meeting in Edinburgh from 3 to 5 March, the countries concerned (European Union, Iceland, Norway and the Faroe Isles) failed to resolve their differences of opinion over how mackerel fishing opportunities in the waters of the north-eastern Atlantic would be divided up between them. The EU and Iceland attributed the breakdown of talks to Norway's intransigent position, as the country was calling for the total allowable catch (TAC) to be increased to 1.3 million tonnes, or nearly half as much again as the volume recommended by the scientific opinion of ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Seas) for 2014. The EU presented a compromise proposal, which was accepted by Iceland and the Faroe Isles, but rejected by Norway. “The Commission considers that conditions were ideal for a deal to be reached and positions were very close. It is very disappointed that a golden opportunity has been lost”, regrets Maria Damanaki, the Commissioner for Fisheries. (LC)