- International Fishing Effort: Mackerel are being caught in international waters due to their scarcity in Icelandic waters.
- Poor Quality Catch: Fishing efforts are yielding low-quality mackerel, mostly used for fishmeal.
- Survey Results: Recent research shows minimal mackerel presence in Icelandic waters and fewer summer-spawning herring.
The current mackerel crisis in Icelandic waters is largely due to the intense international fishing effort, as vessels from Iceland, Greenland, and Russia are forced to operate in international waters where mackerel are dispersed.
Recent survey data from research vessels indicates an almost total absence of mackerel in Icelandic waters, a stark contrast to Iceland’s claims for increased quota shares.
Mackerel Fishing Challenges Highlight Inefficiencies and Stock Concerns
The mackerel fishing situation underscores the growing challenges faced by nations involved in this industry. Despite claims by Iceland and Greenland for increased quotas based on zonal attachment, recent research has shown a significant reduction in mackerel populations within Icelandic waters. This discrepancy between claims and actual findings highlights the inefficiency of current fishing practices and raises concerns about sustainability.
The international fishing efforts have shifted focus to mackerel in international waters, resulting in longer tows and poorer quality fish. This trend mirrors past issues in the Norwegian mackerel fishery, where lower catch rates and higher costs were experienced due to the necessity of fishing in less productive areas.
The survey’s findings reflect broader issues of overfishing and poor resource management, further challenging the validity of unilateral quota claims. With mackerel populations not meeting expectations and herring stocks also in decline, the situation is expected to remain contentious.
Overall, the lack of alignment between fishing practices and scientific data points to a need for more effective and sustainable fisheries management to prevent further degradation of fish stocks and economic inefficiencies.
The current mackerel fishing situation reveals serious challenges in resource management and sustainability. With mackerel stocks failing to meet quotas and poor quality catches dominating, urgent action is needed to address these issues and ensure long-term viability for the industry.
“Operating on such a basis means the mackerel caught is of very poor quality, and is mostly going to fishmeal.”
