LONDON, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- All coastal states have a right to a share of mackerel but cooperation is needed to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, Scotland says.
Scottish officials joined counterparts from the European Union, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands at talks in London focused on mackerel catch limits.
Edinburgh has complained that the Faroe Islands and Iceland have set unilateral quotas for 2011 that are in excess of previous years. European officials had said they would consider trade sanctions against Iceland and the Faroes over the matter.
Mackerel is the most valuable fishery stock for Scotland. Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead says numerous attempts to curtail Iceland and Faroes fishing have failed.
"Scotland's overwhelming priority from these series of new talks is to secure a new four-way deal that safeguards the mackerel stock," he said.
Lochhead said coastal states have a right to a share of the mackerel fishery but added that unilateral action could hurt long-term sustainability.
"All sides need to work together in order to protect the long-term future of this vitally important stock," he said.
