The Faroese fishery for Atlanto-Scandian herring in 2013

The Faroese Minister of Fisheries, Mr Jacob Vestergaard has decided to fix a national catch ceiling at 17 per cent of the total allowable catch of 619,000 tonnes as advised by ICES for the present year. Consequently, the Faroese fishery of Atlanto-Scandian herring will be 105,230 tonnes in 2013.

The Ministry of Fisheries will in due course prepare relevant legislation which when adopted will be the legal basis for the Faroese fishery of Atlanto-Scandian herring in 2013.

“I am firmly convinced that the old sharing among the coastal states regarding Atlanto-Scandian herring was totally unfair and not at all based on the biological reality in Faroese waters where fishery of this very species can be successfully conducted during the better part of the year” says Vestergaard.

“And what is more, I am profoundly disappointed that the other coastal states categorically refused to join negotiations on a new sharing agreement regarding Atlanto-Scandian herring, which they are legally obliged to do, according to international law” says Vestergaard further.

“I do hope that the other coastal states will express their respect for this important and precious fish stock and join us at the negotiation table in order to reach a fair and justifiable agreement that will benefit all parties concerned” says Vestergaard finally.