European Pelagic Sector Meet with Icelandic Ambassador to UK to Discuss Mackerel Dispute

European pelagic industry leaders have met with Benedikt Jonsson, Icelandic Ambassador to the UK, to discuss the ongoing dispute over international shares of mackerel quota in the North East Atlantic. The meeting in London was set up a part of a joint initiative by Ambassador Jonsson and Banff and Buchan MP, Eilidh Whiteford.

Both parties took the opportunity to have a frank exchange of views regarding the current situation, with each side stressing the importance in finding a solution to the current impasse as soon as possible.

Mr Jonsson stressed that Iceland was extremely serious about reaching a compromise agreement and stated that the EU should view the appointment of Mr Sigurgeir Þorgeirsson as negotiator to the mackerel talks as a clear intention of Iceland’s willingness to settle the mackerel dispute.

Both parties agreed the meeting was a useful exercise which may be repeated in the autumn, and the EU industry thanked Ambassador Jonsson for his role in setting up the discussions.