Sanctions may follow deal on mackerel

Iceland and the Faroe Islands may face EU sanctions over disputed mackerel fishing this autumn following a “trialogue” agreement…

Iceland and the Faroe Islands may face EU sanctions over disputed mackerel fishing this autumn following a “trialogue” agreement yesterday in Brussels.

Talks between the European Parliament, its fisheries committee and the Danish presidency on the issue will deliver “both workable and effective” trade sanctions against any country engaged in unsustainable fishing practices, Fianna Fáil MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has said.

The €125 million Irish mackerel fishery has been pushing for sanctions following a unilateral decision by Iceland and the Faroe Islands to increase their catches of the stock in the northeast Atlantic over the last two years.

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins

Lorna Siggins is the former western and marine correspondent of The Irish Times