Coastal state governments need to adopt a radical new approach to reach an agreement on quota sharing for North East Atlantic (NEA) pelagic fish stocks, a new report commissioned by the MSC has found.
The report, North East Atlantic Pelagic Fisheries – Management Challenges for Straddling Fish Stocks, by marine consultancy, ABPmer – says that years of broken agreements on quota sharing for blue whiting, herring and mackerel has resulted in quotas being set above sustainable limits, threatening the long-term health of these vital fish stocks.
Several fisheries for these stocks have had their MSC certification suspended, and some have since withdrawn from the program.
North East Atlantic (NEA) pelagic fish are among the largest populations of commercially exploited fish stocks in the world. They provide nutrient-rich protein for millions as well as being an important source of fish meal for aquaculture production. The report found that agreement on sustainable catches, reflecting scientific advice, is possible if the mechanisms for agreeing quotas are reformed. It suggests majority voting, “backed up by objection procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms” may enable progress.
Download the report below.
| Date of issue: | 21 June 2023 |
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PDF - 2 MB
The future of North East Atlantic pelagic fish stocks
Quota sharing agreement in urgent need
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