EDINBURGH, Scotland, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Tough action is needed if the Icelandic government can't agree to amicable terms in the fishing industry, the Scottish government warned.
Edinburgh is upset that the autonomous Danish Faroe Islands set a quota for mackerel of more than 85,000 tons, which the Scottish government said is more than three times the previous total allowable catch. The decision follows a move by Iceland to set its own unilateral quota of more than 130,000 tons of mackerel per year.
Richard Lochhead, the Scottish fisheries secretary, said talks regarding quotas were a sign there was a comprehensive desire to ensure mackerel are fished sustainably.
"While it is encouraging that talks have been re-initiated with Iceland, actions speak louder than words," he said in a statement. "It is now critical that all parties demonstrate their desire to achieving a meaningful and fair resolution and commit to reasonable negotiations to achieve that outcome."
His warnings precede a Monday conference in Brussels on agriculture and fishing in the European Union.
"If any party is not prepared to negotiate reasonably to find a solution, then strong action is needed," he warned.
