SCOTLAND’S RURAL AFFAIRS SECRETARY WELCOMES ATLANTIC MACKEREL AGREEMENT

Scotland’s rural Affairs Secretary welcomes Atlantic mackerel agreement. Welcoming the extended agreement from 3-4 between with the UK, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway on measures to manage North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“I welcome that we have reached agreement with the UK, the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Norway on a package of measures to better manage North-East Atlantic mackerel stocks.

“This four-party agreement, to limit fishing by coastal states to around 107.5% of the total allowable catch (TAC), enhances sharing arrangements for North-East Atlantic mackerel and delivers a measurable reduction in fishing pressure – providing much needed stability for our important fishing industry and coastal communities. Without this cooperation, TAC would be set at almost 118%.

“A key priority for this Government is to protect our fishing industry, recognising the economic importance of the sector. Parties have also agreed to set total allowable catches for 2026, in line with an MSY catch scenario – resulting in a decrease of -48% compared to 2025, though mitigates the headline advice of -70%.

“This outcome balances ecological recovery with socio-economic realities, avoiding extreme measures that could harm fishing communities while reducing pressure on the stock and enabling long-term recovery.

“Our overarching aim remains to achieve a fully comprehensive six-party sharing arrangement. Parties have committed to work in good faith to secure a full six-party agreement that includes the EU and Greenland. This interim deal keeps that door open.

“The Scottish Government will continue to put its full energy behind the wider sharing consultations and seeking agreements based on robust evidence – ensuring the sustainability of this stock and Scotland’s fisheries long into the future.”

Background

Marine UK, Norway, Faroe Islands and Iceland reach mackerel arrangement – Marine

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