Minister of Fisheries, Jacob Vestergaard, has announced a total catch limit for mackerel fisheries in Faroese waters in 2013 of 125,852 tonnes. This catch limit is 15 % lower than what was set in 2012, as it takes into account the recommendation by ICES to decrease the total allowable catch in 2013 compared to 2012. In addition, unutilised quota from 2012 will be transferred to 2013.
Minister Vestergaard underlined that the total Faroese catch level for 2013 is a clear reflection of the status and legitimate interests of the Faroe Islands as a major stakeholder in the Northeast Atlantic mackerel stock. The catch level for 2013 includes quotas exchanged with other Parties in bilateral fisheries agreements, as well as an amount set aside for dedicated scientific research on mackerel in Faroese waters. The Faroese fisheries zone is centrally located in the migration and distribution of mackerel. Mackerel is in Faroese waters in great abundance and density for more than 6 months a year, exploiting the excellent feeding conditions in Faroese waters during the summer.
The decision to set a Faroese mackerel quota has been taken due to the fact that the coastal states, the Faroe Islands, the EU, Iceland and Norway have not been able to reach an agreement on a new sharing arrangement for 2013. The other coastal states have already set their unilateral mackerel quotas for 2013.
It is evident that the catches of all four coastal states in 2013 will in total be far beyond the level of 542,000 tonnes considered by ICES as sustainable. This is of great concern to the Faroe Islands. The coastal States need to find a constructive approach to future negotiations on the management of the Northeast Atlantic mackerel, says Mr Vestergaard.
Minister Vestergaard underlines that sustainable management of the mackerel stock is a joint responsibility and that the obligation shared by the coastal states to seek consensus on mackerel management must be approached by all parties on an equal footing, with a clear recognition of the changes in the distribution of the mackerel stock.
In 2012 the coastal states managed to move forward on issues such as cooperation on scientific research and on control. However, the biggest challenge remains the need to find common ground to address the issue of sharing. The Faroe Islands is committed to working constructively with other coastal states to reach this goal, says Mr Vestergaard.
For further information, contact Mr Andras Kristiansen, Head of Department, Tel. +298 55 32 41: E-mail: andras.kristiansen@fisk.fo