Brussels, 25/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - Iceland could join the agreement between the EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands on the management of mackerel stocks - but not in 2014 (see EUROPE 11066). Questioned by EUROPE, the Icelandic Minstry of Industries said that Iceland had always wanted to conclude an agreement based on scientific assessment, so that exploitation of the mackerel stock would be shared fairly among the coastal states.
However, the tripartite agreement obtained on mackerel is “based on overfishing”, Iceland criticises, adding “at least, in the first year” of application (2014). Sources say that the five-year agreement provides that in the following years - in other words, from 2015 - the catch volume coincides with scientific recommendations. Iceland would thus be ready to join the agreement from 2015, if scientific opinion is followed. Iceland's Minister of Fisheries Sigurdur Ingi Johannsson told EUROPE: “We remain willing to negotiate a solution based on scientific research and advice”. Iceland is very critical of the agreement for 2014 which provides for a 1.24 million tonne catch of mackerel, although scientists advocate 890,000 tonnes. Iceland is said to be very proud of its reputation as a responsible fishing nation. (LC)