Mackerel Fishermen Meet With Fisheries Secretary

Commenting on the meeting, Ian Gatt, chief executive of the SPFA, said:We were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss with the Minister this very serious issue prior to crucial negotiations on the international mackerel fishery that will commence in October."

The current overfishing of valuable mackerel by Iceland and the Faroes outwith any international management plan is completely unacceptable and a practicable resolution must be achieved."

We are anticipating developments in the next few weeks over the shape and form of sanctions that the EC proposes to introduce against Iceland and the Faroes. It is essential that such sanctions are meaningful and are introduced as soon as possible.

Mr Lochhead commented: "Both government and industry strongly believe that a new coastal states agreement is needed if we are to safeguard the valuable mackerel fishery - but that we cannot do a deal at any cost."

"The meeting with the SPFA was very productive and emphasised again our willingness to work together to achieve a solution."