Jim Hume MSP calls on Scottish Government to intervene in ‘mackerel wars’

9 September 2010

Jim Hume, Liberal Democrat MSP for the South of Scotland, has today tabled a series of Parliamentary Questions on the fishing dispute which has seen Iceland and the Faroes step up their mackerel catch in the North Atlantic.

Mr Hume said:

“The repercussions of these unilateral quotas will reach far and wide. Not only will they drive down prices, threaten sustainability and harm an industry worth £135million annually, they will also directly impact upon livelihoods and fishing communities.

“I know the Scottish Government will agree with me that a workable resolution needs to be reached. Given the undoubted impact a continuation of this situation would have, the Scottish Government needs to indicate whether it is prepared to meet any potential future increase in demand for assistance from the European Fisheries Fund.

“While I certainly welcome the Scottish Government’s recognition of the extremely serious nature of the actions of our Icelandic and Faroese neighbours, mere strongly worded statements will not bring about a resolution.

“Ministers need to schedule urgent direct talks with the Governments of the Faroe Islands and Iceland to work towards a solution and prevent a repeat of the Cod Wars of the 1970s.”

Notes:

A copy of Mr Hume’s Parliamentary Questions are shown below.

To ask the Scottish Executive what financial support it will offer to individuals, businesses or fishing communities affected by the total allowable catch quotas for mackerel set by Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

To ask the Scottish Executive how much was awarded in funding through the European Fisheries Fund programme in 2008-09.

To ask the Scottish Executive how much was awarded in funding through the European Fisheries Fund programme in 2009-10 round of awards.

To ask the Scottish Executive how much it expects to award in funding through the European Fisheries Fund programme in September 2010.

To ask the Scottish Executive whether contingencies are in place to increase the money available to the European Fisheries Fund programme to meet any increase in demand.