A school of mackerel.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
The European Commission has once again warned about the potential crisis in mackerel stocks, after North-East Atlantic coastal states -- comprising the EU, Denmark on behalf of the Faroe Islands and Greenland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation and the United Kingdom -- failed to make progress in recent consultations on management of the fishery.
The EU currently chairs the North-East Atlantic coastal states consultations on mackerel, and convened talks on 5-6 March, aiming to reach a comprehensive quota-sharing arrangement.
However, according to the Commission, discussions stalled despite prior indications from several participants that they would approach the negotiations with “constructive flexibility.”
The Commission emphasised that the EU has continued to meet its responsibilities as a coastal state under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Over the past five years of consultations, it said the bloc has consistently advocated for management measures that follow scientific advice and ensure sustainable exploitation of the stock.
In particular, the EU has repeatedly highlighted the need to respect recommendations from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), including concerns over excessive fishing pressure, especially regarding catches attributed to Russia.
Last October, ICES advised catches of mackerel should be reduced by 77% compared to the previous year if the species is to recover.
Although the latest round of negotiations did not produce an agreement, the Commission said it will continue engaging with other coastal states to reach a solution that also acknowledges the interests of Greenland. The EU added that it remains the only party to have maintained a stable quota share during the negotiations.
The Commission called on all partners to take “immediate and meaningful steps” to help rebuild the mackerel stock, warning that failure to do so could jeopardise both the fish stock and the industries that depend on it.
