2010 North Atlantic Mackerel War Continues

BBC Scotland is reporting that Europe is preparing the way for sanctions against Iceland and the Faroe Islands over the so-called "mackerel wars".

Both island nations have announced plans for increased mackerel catches, which could in turn impact Scottish catches of this small but controversial fish. Mackerel is the Scottish fleet's most valuable stock.

According to BBC Scotland, Europe's Fisheries Commissioner is now believed to be pushing for changes in regulations that could result in sanctions against Iceland and the Faroe Islands.

 The latest round of talks, held in December failed to resolve the on-going dispute. The meeting, which included the EU and Norway, ended with the Faroese refusing to sign an agreement to limit mackerel catch levels for 2011.

Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: "We were extremely frustrated by last week's breakdown in mackerel talks."

The controversy centers around Atlantic mackerel, which are small pelagic fish that travel in huge schools. Scientists claim that mackerel, in response to rising sea temperatures have shifted their range northward, which brings more fish into Icelandic and Faroese waters.

Meanwhile Scottish and other European fishermen feel that increased fishing quotas could devastate mackerel stocks, impacting the entire region.

Norwegian Cod and Haddock Fisheries Certified by MSC

Norway’s offshore Northeast Arctic (NEA) cod and haddock fisheries have been certified as sustainable under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) environmental standard for sustainable and well managed fisheries. After successfully completing its assessment, MSC-certification for these fisheries was awarded at the European Seafood Expo in Brussels.

Around 125,000 metric tonnes of Norwegian cod and 90,000 metric tonnes of Norwegian haddock will now be eligible to display the blue MSC ecolabel. In addition to its domestic sales, the fish has a global market with fresh and frozen fish being sold in Germany, France and the UK.

source: MSC press release

Iceland Volcano is Searing Salmon Sales

Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano eruption is affecting the seafood industry. In the USA, air travel restrictions have caused price increases or unavailability of specialty items such as imported salmon from areas such as Norway and Scotland.

The plume from the eruption of Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull volcano continues in April. Volcanic ash has been carried by north-westerly winds and has been detected over Norway, Sweden, northwestern Russia, northern Poland, northern Germany, northern France, and southern UK.

The volcanic ash plume has affected flights over much of Europe, causing serious disruptions of business and travel. Iceland's Eyjafjallajökull Volcano began erupting on March 20, 2010.