February 24, 2014 — The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas is expected to make a new assessment this week on the state of mackerel stocks in the North East Atlantic.
The Norwegian Fishing Vessel owners Federation reports that this summer's ecosystem surveys show an historic high population estimate that is widespread across the fishing region.
It says researchers estimate the population to currently total around 8.8 million tonnes compared to 5.1 million tonnes from a corresponding survey in 2012.
However, the Federation points out that the estimate is based on the pelagic trawling method, which is not yet approved by ICES.
The figures could have a strong bearing on the mackerel dispute between the EU and Norway and Iceland and the Faroe Islands, which broke up ten days ago without agreement and once again delayed a general quota swap deal between Norway and the EU, creating concern among a number of northern fishing nations.
The mackerel talks are set to resume shortly and it is reported that the gap between the two sides has narrowed, giving rise to hopes of a deal at long last.