Coastal state consultations on mackerel break down after a deadlock in negotiations
A final round in a long series of Coastal State consultations on mackerel sharing in the North-East Atlantic was held in Edinburgh from 3 to 5 March 2014. As Chair, the EU tabled a compromise proposal that was accepted by Iceland and the Faroe Islands but was rejected by Norway. The Commission considers that conditions were ideal for a deal to be reached and positions were very close. It is very disappointed that a golden opportunity has been lost.
The EU will now work with Norway in the bilateral negotiations that start today to set fishing opportunities at a level that ensures the sustainable exploitation of this valuable stock, respecting the scientific advice.
In light of the degree of agreement reached during the coastal state negotiations, the EU calls on Iceland and the Faroe Islands to also show responsibility in the level of fishing opportunities they will now set unilaterally, to secure the future sustainability of the stock.
