Scotland warns of losses in mackerel processing sector

The Scottish processing industry has warned that it might lose fish stocks to nearby countries ahead of next year’s European Commission total allowable catch (TAC), which will discussed by representatives from the EU, Norway and Faroe Islands.

The TACs are catch limits expressed in tonnes or numbers that are set for most commercial fish stocks. The Commission works on proposals based on scientific advice on the stock status from advisory bodies such as ICES and STECF.

The current TAC negotiation will decide the permissible limit for the catching of combined fisheries for the coming year.

Recently, a new agreement had given the Faroe Islands access to fish 29% of its own mackerel quota in Scottish waters, which was a much higher tonnage than under the previous arrangement.

The decision left Scottish fishermen disappointed as it allowed the Faroese to catch a much higher tonnage of their own allocated mackerel quota in Scottish waters than before.

Chairman of the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA) Ian McFadden said: "While responsible measures by the EU and Norway have ensured we have a sustainable mackerel stock, we are increasingly disadvantage in the global market. Earlier this year, we saw the Faroe Islands take a much bigger share of the mackerel quota than expected, while also winning the right to fish in Scottish waters when mackerel is in premium condition.

"The rate of taxation on landings outside Faroe has been set at a prohibitive £200 per tonne, equal to 30% of the current price for fresh mackerel. This is of real concern because the Scottish processing industry has always offered a premium product but by setting the taxation rates so highly there is no other logical conclusion than to sail back to Faroe to land their catch."

Mackerel processing contributes around £324m to the economy and supports around 2,260 jobs.

SPPA further said that the Russian embargo had hit them hard too. The association has urged politicians and representatives in industry to address these new trading conditions which are incurring losses for the Scottish fishing industry.

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Image: Mackerel processing in Scotland contributes around £324m to the economy. Photo: courtesy of Jastrow.