Europêche, which represents fishing organisations across the European Union, has called on consumers to boycott seafood products from Norway, over what it says is an 'unlawful grab' of the bloc's fish quota.
In a statement, Europêche said that Norway was taking advantage of the UK's departure from the EU to 'unlawfully appropriate long-held EU fishing quota', of both cod and mackerel. In turn, the group claimed that this 'reckless and irresponsible' behaviour has prompted other countries, including the Faroe Islands, to follow suit and similarly increase their quota share of mackerel.
Destined For Europe
Some 60% of the fish caught by Norwegian fishermen ends up in the European market, the group said.
The fishing group claims that Norway's actions show 'flagrant disdain for international law', as well as a 'blatant disrespect' for the EU as a partner. It also added that the quota increase will likely endanger the sustainability of mackerel stock over the coming years.
“This unacceptable and disloyal behaviour shows no respect for the agreed and well-established EU fishing rights in the Atlantic," commented Daniel Voces, managing director of Europêche. "This also sets a dangerous precedent of an important EU partner, such as Norway, unilaterally moving away from agreements for short term economic gain. Unless a strong signal is sent from the EU to these countries, nothing will stop them from grabbing more and more EU quota of these and other fish species.
"EU citizens must realise that the legality and sustainability of the fish coming from this country are now put into question. EU fishermen call consumers, retailers and food suppliers to halt seafood purchases for the survivability of the EU fishing industry and fish stocks."
Europêche has also called on European institutions to 'close the Single Market' and remove trade preferences granted to Norwegian fishery products, especially cod and mackerel, in order to protect EU companies, as well as fish stocks.
Mackerel Quota
The Norwegian government recently set an increased mackerel quota for 2021 of 298,299 tonnes, which was extended to 304,648 tonnes following 'exchanges with other countries', fishermen's organisation Fiskarlaget reported.
"Brexit and lack of access to the British zone have created major challenges for the mackerel fleet, but the increased Norwegian mackerel quota for 2021 opens up new opportunities," Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Seafood Odd Emil Ingebrigtsen commented recently.
"As is well known, the Norwegian quota for 2021 is based on mackerel's increasing zone affiliation in Norwegian waters. I would therefore encourage the fleet to take advantage of the opportunity we now have and fish as much as possible of this year's quota in Norwegian waters."
© 2021 European Supermarket Magazine. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. For more Retail news, click here. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
