Iceland’s fisheries organizations remain calm amid reports of declining mackerel abundance in waters

Iceland’s fisheries organizations are maintaining a calm perspective in response to reports of declining mackerel abundance in Icelandic waters. Heiðrún Lind Marteinsdóttir, managing director of the Icelandic Seafood Producers Association (SFS), emphasized that the industry is taking the news with stoic tranquility.

The research vessel Árni Friðriksson recently concluded a survey as part of an annual international pelagic ecosystem expedition in the North Atlantic. Preliminary results indicate that mackerel distribution within Iceland’s exclusive economic zone has not been lower since research began in 2010. Anna Heiða Ólafsdóttir, the expedition leader, noted that mackerel was only detected southeast of the country, suggesting that the previously strong mackerel stock may be diminishing.

Heiðrún pointed out that fluctuations in mackerel presence have been significant in the past years, so the current situation does not come as a surprise. She underlined that over the last 15 years, mackerel fishing has greatly benefited the Icelandic economy. The presence of the stock often varies widely in the waters around Iceland.

However, she raised concerns about the lack of agreement among coastal states regarding shared quotas, which has led to fishing exceeding recommendations. Sustainable practices are needed to prevent overfishing, and she stressed the importance of reaching an agreement among the countries involved.

In conclusion, determining each country’s fair share of the mackerel stock requires a long-term perspective, and one survey should not significantly alter Iceland’s negotiating position on mackerel quotas.