Norway, UK, and Faroe Islands forge three-year mackerel fishing agreement

EUROPE – Norway, the United Kingdom, and the Faroe Islands have entered into a three-year agreement.

This accord, aimed at reducing the overall fishing pressure on mackerel populations, has been lauded by Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

Næss expressed optimism about the agreement’s potential to set a precedent for broader cooperation.

She hopes this initiative will encourage other coastal states, including the European Union, Iceland, and Greenland, to eventually join a more comprehensive regional agreement.

The agreement meticulously outlines the management of national quotas, access to fishing zones, and the framework for scientific collaboration.

For 2024, Norway’s total mackerel quota is projected to be approximately 230,000 tons.

Notably, this agreement also grants Norwegian vessels the ability to fish part of their quota in the UK’s economic zone, including the waters surrounding Shetland.

“This arrangement enhances the flexibility and predictability for Norwegian fishing operations,” Næss stated.

She emphasized the agreement’s significance for the land-based industry, noting its positive impact on production planning and operational stability.

In addition to this mackerel fishing pact, a related agreement was signed in mid-May involving Norway, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

This accord focuses on ensuring that autonomous ships can operate safely within each nation’s regulatory frameworks, promoting safety and efficiency in maritime operations.

The collaborative efforts between these nations mark a step forward in sustainable fishing practices and maritime safety.