Scotland irked by mackerel deadlock

EDINBURGH, Scotland, Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Scotland wants to approach Iceland and the Faroe Islands on mackerel quotas as European negotiations falter, the Scottish fisheries secretary said Friday.

The European Union has tried to reach a deal with littoral states in the North Sea on catch limits for 2011, though a second round of talks ended without a formal agreement.

European lawmakers have complained that Iceland and the autonomous Danish Faroe Islands are exploiting European accomplishments in the management of mackerel stocks.

The issue was raised first by the Scottish government, which in late September expressed outrage over decisions by the Faroe Islands and Iceland to set quotas for mackerel fishing that the Scottish government said exceeded the total allowable catch.

Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said his government was "disappointed" that the latest round of talks ended in a deadlock. While recognizing that the EU remains committed to negotiating on the issue, he said Edinburgh may approach Iceland and the Faroes unilaterally.

"We will continue to explore all possible avenues in order to ensure there is sustainable management of the mackerel fishery for next year and beyond," he said in a statement. "Our intention now is to pursue further talks with Iceland and the Faroes as soon as possible."