EDINBURGH, Scotland, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The Scottish government wants to reach a multilateral deal with the European community on the future of the mackerel stock, a Scottish secretary said.
European lawmakers have complained that Iceland and the autonomous Danish Faroe Islands are exploiting European accomplishments in the management of mackerel stocks.
Iceland walked away from mackerel talks with Europe in November and a delegation from the Faroe Islands left the negotiating table in mid December.
The European Union hit Iceland with prohibitions on mackerel catches Friday and actions against the Faroe Islands are expected.
Scottish Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said in a statement that Edinburgh was interested in comprehensive solutions for mackerel.
"Scotland's priority is to find a solution to the mackerel crisis and reach a new four-party deal between the EU, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands," he said. "This would be in the best interests of the future of the mackerel stock, which Scotland and others have carefully managed and fished sustainably."
Lochhead said mackerel brought in more than $785 million in 2009 and supported 2,500 jobs in Scotland.
