Scottish mackerel industry opposes free mackerel and herring import to EU countries

Members of the Scottish Pelagic Processors Association (SPPA) are urging the Scottish and UK Governments to oppose an agreement that allows Norway to carry out duty free exports of mackerel and herring to European Union (EU) member countries.

Norway and the EU reached the decision earlier this month to encourage social and economic cohesion within Europe. The country has been promised better access to the EU market in return.

The agreement is still to be approved by the European Parliament.

The agreement will include new duty free quotas for fillets and processed products including frozen mackerel and fresh herring, a 50% increase of the existing quota for herring preserved in spice and vinegar and an extended contract period from five to seven years.

However, SPPA has been arguing against the move, saying such an agreement would weaken the Scottish mackerel industry and that it was inappropriate at a time when traditional and important Scottish export markets were in a weakened state, reported World Fishing and Aquaculture.

SPPA chairman Ian McFadden was quoted by Aberdeen Business News as saying: "It is our understanding that despite these announcements from Norway the agreement is still to be ratified by EU member states, and it must receive unanimous support in order for it to be passed by Parliament.

"We believe a number of member states have objected and have also highlighted the fact that they have not been engaged in these initial discussions. We would strongly urge the Scottish and UK Governments to oppose any such deal."

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Image: The agreement includes new duty free quotas for fillets and processed products including frozen mackerel and fresh herring. Photo: courtesy of Jastrow.