ICELAND’S NASCENT bid to join the EU has run into trouble with the European Commission over its fisheries policy after Dublin raised concerns about the country’s increasing mackerel catches.
Less than a month after EU leaders agreed to formally open accession talks with Iceland, the country’s “entrenched position” on fisheries is proving contentious.
The question threatens to complicate further a negotiation that is already difficult thanks to Iceland’s unresolved dispute with Britain and the Netherlands over a €3.8 billion liability for deposits lost in its banking collapse.
At a recent ministerial meeting in Luxembourg, Minister of State for agriculture and fisheries Seán Connick was backed by eight other member states when he complained that Iceland was operating its mackerel fishery outside international management arrangements for the stock.
Maritime affairs and fisheries commissioner Maria Damanaki has written to enlargement commissioner Stefan Füle to draw his attention to the situation.
"I would like to inform you about a very serious issue, which risks impacting negatively on the forthcoming accession negotiations between the EU and Iceland," says Ms Damanaki's letter, seen by The Irish Times.
“There is currently a major disagreement between the EU and Iceland on the management of one of the major commercially important fish stocks in the northeast Atlantic, namely, mackerel.”
The commissioner said there was no justification for the escalating levels of Iceland’s fishery, adding that consultations in May proved inconclusive.
“Iceland’s approach is impacting negatively on the stock and has a particularly detrimental impact on EU fishing interests since we are the major shareholder in this fishery.”
The issue is sensitive for the Government, as mackerel is Ireland’s most important fishery.
The Irish mackerel quota is less than half Iceland’s planned catch this year, and the authorities in the Faroe Islands have responded to Iceland’s increased fishing levels with plans for a big increase in their own catch.
Mr Connick argues this constitutes a significant threat to mackerel stocks generally, with consequent dangers for Irish fishermen and fish processors.
A Government spokeswoman said Ireland hoped the matter could be quickly resolved.
“We have been very supportive of Iceland’s application to join the EU and hope that accession negotiations can begin shortly.
“Clearly, Ireland will have a particular interest in the fisheries chapter which is generally recognised as a key issue in the negotiations.”
There was no comment from Iceland’s diplomatic mission to the EU.