Saving our Fish

I am hugely encouraged by the European Union’s recent decision to ban fishing exports from the Faroe Islands – this action is desperately needed if the unsustainable fishing of herring and mackerel in the North Atlantic is to be successfully tackled.

My friends in the Scottish Fishing Industry have long been concerned by the behaviour of the Faroe Islands and Iceland and their blatant disregard for mackerel and herring quotas.

The unilateral expansion of the Icelandic and Faroese catches have brought condemnation from the fishing industry in Scotland and across the EU. However the EU’s decision to ban imports of herring and mackerel from stocks caught under Faroese control – as well as other measures including the restriction of EU ports by vessels fishing for these two pelagic species – will I sincerely hope, serve as a deterrent against this plundering of fish stocks.

The EU’s decision to ban imports of herring and mackerel from Atlanto-Scandian stocks caught under Faroese control – as well as other measures including the restriction of EU ports by vessels fishing for these two pelagic species – will I sincerely hope, serve as a deterrent against this plundering of fish stocks.

While sanctions received the widespread support of EU member states in July, it is hoped that such measures may be avoided and instead act as a catalyst for negotiation. Indeed, the EU ban appears to have been behind Iceland’s decision to return to the negotiating table with the EU and Norway.

The package agreed by the EU will allow for the imposition of trade sanctions on countries that employ unsustainable fishing practices – where appropriate. These sanctions include restrictions on how many fish can be imported into the EU, restrictions on port access by ships under the flag of an offending country and embargoes on the sale of vessels and equipment.

I wholeheartedly welcome the fact that Europe is finally taking a tough stance on the unsustainable fishing of herring and mackerel by the Faroe Islands. I believe that this ban sends an important message to this country and indeed all connected within the fishing industry.

Such over-fishing cannot and will not be tolerated.

Indeed, it is reassuring to know that Scotland is not powerless to respond to such irresponsible fishing – practices that threaten the entire industry both here and abroad. However, with the full powers of a normal, independent country, Scotland could take the lead on such negotiations and participate fully in the development of fisheries policy and make sure the voice of our fishing industry is heard at every level.

That said, until the Faroe Islands are prepared to come to the negotiation table, the Scottish Government will continue to press the European Union for tough and sustained action so that we can protect our stocks of herring and mackerel - arguably Scotland’s most profitable fish.