End of the Mackerel War

(Photo: Getty Images) Fresh mackerel

The European Parliament made a decision to impose sanctions against Iceland and Faroe Islands if they do not stop their unsustainable fishing practices.

Under the latest measures, which have been brought up because of colloquially called ´´mackerel war´´, Icelandic and Faroese vessels which are overfishing would be banned from selling their catch at the European ports.

The ´´mackerel war´´ started over two years ago, when Iceland unilaterally went beyond their fishing, mackerel quota from 2.000 to 130.000 tones. At the same time, Faroese fishing vessels caught six times more mackerel than allowed, going up to 150.000 tons in 2011.

European Union together with Norway and Scotland called on Iceland to scale down their annual catch. Representatives from both islands explained that the increase in the yearly catch was purely response to more migratory mackerel moving into their warming coastal waters and that the fishing practices are scientifically justified and sustainable.

Decision made by the European Parliament has been welcomed by fishermen in Scotland and Norway, who clearly state that they livelihood will significantly improve when Faroe Island and Iceland stop their unsustainable fishing practices.

Nordic islands yet did not comment on the new agreement made by the European Parliament; however some kind of action is soon to come.