EC Fisheries Commissioner, Maria Damanaki, Maria Damanaki, said that she would be pushing for the EU to take action against Iceland and the Faroe Islands because of their intention to continue to fish.
“We welcome the statement made by the Commissioner but it is vitally important to convert these words into action as we have had such statements of intent for several months now, said Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association.
“Any punitive action should not be taken lightly but the irresponsible behaviour of Iceland and the Faroes is threatening a valuable stock of fish that has been carefully looked after and sustainably harvested by our fishing fleet.“
Mrs Damanaki said yesterday that she was consulting on ways of restricting landings of Icelandic mackerel into the EU.
She also indicated that she would press for regulations that could result in the ban on imports of fish from countries acting outside international fishery agreements, such as the Faroe Islands.
Mackerel Fishermen Welcome EC Action
UK - Scottish mackerel fishermen have called on EC Fisheries Commissioner to turn words into action over the stance of the Icelandic and Faroe Island fishermen to continue to fish outside the international agreement.
