Mackerel deal gives Faroes ‘unfair share’
The KFO also says the North East Atlantic agreement signed by the EU, Norway and the Faroe Islands will see global mackerel stocks vastly reduced during its five-year term. Based on scientific advice, the deal has increased the total allowable catch (TAC) from around 890,000 tonnes up to 1.25m tonnes of mackerel. Iceland is not party to this agreement.
“Allowing these extra mackerel to be caught is really only a short-term gain,” said Martin Howley.
“The EU Commission was supposed to be trying to protect the fish stock, but this increased fishable quota looks like Commissioner Damanaki wanted a deal at all costs.
“Our Government and Minister Coveney did fight very hard against this, but it is all about votes in the EU. Germany wasn’t interested, and Britain just wanted to end the ban on fish coming in from the Faroes. Ireland is just a small fish in this pond. We never stood a chance. Ireland is getting an increased quota, but we don’t see this as a good deal for Ireland.”
This new deal ends four years of stalemate in the EU’s efforts to have the Faroes agree to quotas. The Faroes have gone from around 5% to 15% of the total global mackerel catch in five years. With a population of 50,000 and a total area of 1,400 sq km, its historic catch used to be minimal. Donegal is home to around 160,000 people. The Faroes can catch 150,000 tonnes of mackerel in 2014, with Ireland’s quota set at around 105,000 tonnes for 2014, up 60% on last year.
The EU, Norway and the Faroes have also agreed not to participate or promote a commercial fishery for mackerel by Greenland, which plans to catch 100,000 tonnes. The Killybegs group said Greenland’s plans for an unregulated catch seriously undermine this week’s tripartite treaty.
As Greenland doesn’t have its own fleet, this catch will likely transfer to either Iceland or the Faroes. The KFO has called on the European Commission to issue sanctions against Greenland.
KFO chief executive, Sean O’Donoghue, said: “These positives elements are somewhat negated by the 12.6% share given to the Faroese, an increase of 7.6% in their share which could lead to long-term losses for Ireland.
“Without his [Minister Coveney’s] steadfast opposition, which was fully supported by the industry, the outcome would have been worse.”
Mir Coveney said this treaty, while not ideal, ensures that in line with the EU and Norway the Faroese will be subject to fixed quotas. “While clearly disagreeing with aspects of the deal, I recognise the importance of bringing the Faroes Islands into an agreed and responsible management arrangement of the mackerel stock with the EU and Norway.
“However, I was disappointed with an aspect of the final outcome which gave the Faroe Islands an increased 12.6% share of the stock and set aside a further 15.6% for Iceland, Greenland and Russia.”
