Call for mediator to solve mackerel dispute

FISHERMEN have backed calls for an international mediator to be appointed to bring about an end to the long-running international dispute over mackerel quotas.

Fi s heri e s Secretar y Richard Lochhead, pictured, wa n t s the mediator to be drafted in to help end the war of words with the Faroe Islands and Iceland, who have both set themselves large quotas of mackerel in recent years.

Mr Lochhead is meeting European fisheries ministers in Brussels to call for the imposition of sanctions.

The European Union has agreed – but not yet imposed – sanctions, in a bid to end the row. Responding to the move, Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, said: “We would welcome any initiative that brings this dispute to a speedy and fair conclusion, and we would be keen to meet the Minister to hear about his proposals in more detail.

“However, we did get legal advice last year on the possibility of using an independent arbiter and we were t ol d the par ties involved would not be legally bound by the results of such a process.

“The ball is currently very much in the court of Iceland and Faroes for a resolution, given negotiations won’t resume until they t able a sensible compromise offer.

“For this reason, we still believe the best approach is for the immediate introduction of sanctions against Iceland and the Faroes for their grossly over-inflated unilateral quotas to help focus minds and bring about a resumption in negotiations.”