Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, says it is imperative that as much pressure is brought on Iceland and the Faroes to reach a sensible agreement that does not jeopardise the sustainability of the stock and which protects Scotland’s traditional fishing rights.
“We congratulate Mr Lochhead on his recent reappointment as Fisheries Minister following the Scottish Government elections and his knowledge and experience will ensure that there is continuity in the handling of important fisheries issues,” he said.
“We are also pleased the Minister has agreed to meet with us so soon after the election, which highlights the importance the Scottish Government places on Scotland’s mackerel and herring industry”.
“Although the talks will cover a wide range of issues affecting our sector, a major focus will be on the dispute with Iceland and the Faroes and their outrageous implementation of massively increased mackerel quotas that threatens the sustainability of this vital stock to Scotland.
“The meeting will try to identify some common ideas that can be developed into a strategy that will help break the impasse in the dispute. The actions of Iceland and the Faroes are totally irresponsible and threatens real damage to a stock that has been carefully looked after by the Scottish fleet” Mr Gatt concluded.
Talks Over Mackerel Quota Dispute
SCOTLAND - Scottish pelagic fishermen are meeting with the Scottish Fisheries Minister, Richard Lochhead, today in Aberdeen. The aim of the talk is to focus on developing a strategy to resolve the ongoing dispute with Iceland and the Faroes over mackerel quotas.