Faroe Islands proposes regulatory changes to mackerel fishing

The Minister of Fisheries also presented a proposal for changes to the mackerel regulation for public consultation.

The Faroe Islands, the United Kingdom and Norway recently signed an agreement to organise mackerel fishing in 2024. Under the agreement, the Faroe Islands received a quota of up to 98,708 tonnes.

At the same time, it was agreed that the Faroe Islands could fish 35 percent of their quota in British waters and 40 percent in Norwegian waters. In 2024, this will be 31,054 tons in British waters and 35,191 tons in Norwegian waters.

The proposal, which is now submitted for consultation, confirms the final mackerel quota in the Faroe Islands for 2024 and updates the quota tools.

A proposal was then put forward on how to organise access to mackerel in British and Norwegian waters. According to the proposal, access is shared between groups of fishing vessels in the same proportions as for the distribution of mackerel.

It has been agreed with Norway that a maximum of 12 Faroese vessels may attempt to fish for mackerel in Norwegian waters at the same time. The proposal for a regulation therefore includes a provision on how to proceed if more than 12 Faroese vessels apply to Vørn for a licence to fish for mackerel in Norwegian waters.

The agreement with Norway stipulates that all mackerel delivered by the Faroe Islands to Norwegian waters must be sold through or with the consent of Norges Sildesalgslag.

In order for Faroese vessels to be able to enter Norwegian waters, a change in the rules for landing in the Faroe Islands is necessary. Mackerel caught in Norwegian waters will be exempt from the requirements for landing and processing in the Faroe Islands.

Both consultations will last until 16 July 2024.

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