Faroe Islands withdraw from herring fishing agreement

The Scottish Fishermen’s Federation (SFF) and the Scottish Pelagicpelagic The ecological area consisting of the open sea away from the coast and the ocean bottom. The pelagic zone contains organisms such as surface seaweeds, many species of fish and sharks and some mammals, such as whales and dolphins. Pelagic animals may remain solely in the pelagic zone or may move among zones. Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) have condemned the Faroese for deciding to withdraw from international sharing arrangements for the Atlanto-Scandian herring stock.

At talks in London, the Faroe Islands made the decision to walk away from the international management of the stock and instead set its own unilateral quota – this is despite the fact that the other parties, the EU, Iceland, Norway and Russia have agreed to continue to participate collectively under the agreed management plan.

Atlanto-Scandian herring – the Faroese have decided to set their own quota

Ian Gatt, chief executive, SPFA, said: “As is already the case with mackerel, the Faroese seem intent on pursuing their own national interests with no concern for the health of the stock or acknowledgement of the need for the fishery to be controlled by an international management plan.” He added: “It is essential that the EU now moves quickly to implement sanctions against the Faroese for their unsustainable actions and ensure that they are denied access to lucrative EU markets for their fish products.”

A total allowable catch of 619,000 tonnes has been set for the fishery this year under the auspices of the international sharing arrangement. Despite the Faroese withdrawal, the other countries have still set aside the normal quota for the country of nearly 32,000 tonnes.

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