WIREDGOV

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the strong stance taken by the EU yesterday to support Scotland's most valuable fishery after he demanded action to rein in Iceland and the Faroes Islands who are yet to sign up to an international agreement to manage the mackerel stock.

For the first time, Mr Lochhead was speaking on behalf of the UK at the EU AgriFish Council this morning , where the unilateral mackerel quota setting by Iceland and the Faroes was first item on the agenda. Scotland has the EU's largest mackerel quota and accounts for some 90 per cent of the value of mackerel fishing to the UK.

Speaking from Brussels, Mr Lochhead said:

"Today, Europe sent out a powerful message to Iceland and the Faroes that their irresponsible decision to set massive unilateral mackerel quotas outwith international agreements will not be tolerated.

"It was important that I had the opportunity to impress upon the Council the urgency of finding a solution over unilateral mackerel quotas, so that stocks can be protected and our fishing communities safeguarded. If every other country followed Iceland and the Faroes' example then there would be no fish left in the sea.

"The Council was unanimous in its condemnation of the actions taken by Iceland and the Faroes and it is quite clear that the reputations of both countries are at severe risk. We all recognise that it is in our interests to resolve the situation as soon as possible and reach an agreement, otherwise the rich mackerel stock will be endangered. However, Scotland was at the top table today for the first time to make the case that a deal must not be signed at any price and anti-conservation behaviour must not be rewarded.

"It is entirely sensible that Scotland, a key player in sustainable mackerel fishing in Europe, was represented at these talks and I was pleased to be able to speak up for our fishermen. This is the first time a Scottish Fisheries Minister has travelled to an EU Council with the green light to speak on behalf of the UK, which reflects the vital importance of the mackerel fishery to Scotland. As a result, Scotland's credibility and profile received a boost today.

"On Friday, I will meet European Fisheries Commissioner Maria Damanaki during her first visit to Scotland when, with the UK's ongoing support, I will press again for strong action from the EU if Iceland and the Faroes refuse to be reasonable in the formal negotiations in October. It's critical that we have in place a fair deal, which does not reward unilateral actions but protects mackerel stocks."

Richard Lochhead was able to speak at today's AgriFish Council after a late change of position on the issue by the UK Government, confirmed last night by UK Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. This follows the direct intervention of First Minister Alex Salmond who had written to Prime Minister David Cameron.

Scotland has the first large-scale mackerel fishery in Europe to be accredited by the Marine Stewardship Council and the value to the Scottish economy of mackerel was £135 million in 2009 - the fleet's most valuable stock.

At the end of July the Faroe Islands set a quota for mackerel of 85,000 tonnes for this year, more than three times their previous total allowable catch (TAC), which follows a recent decision by Iceland to declare themselves a unilateral quota of 130,000 tonnes.

Scottish Government officials have taken part in bilateral meetings between the EU and both Iceland and the Faroes this month, to re-establish dialogue and start the process of securing a new agreement over mackerel fishing.