Mackerel Fishermen Vow to continue Blockades.

Scottish fishermen angry at increased Faroes and Iceland mackerel quotas have vowed to continue to blockade trawlers trying to land their catch in Scotland.

The pledge came after a meeting today (Monday) in Fraserburgh organised by the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation.

It id claimed the quotas threaten stocks as well as the Scottish fleets.
SPFA Chairman Ian Gatt said members were still just as determined as when a trawler was blocked at Peterhead Harbour last month.

The Faroese trawler, Jupiter, was blockaded by Peterhead fishermen.
Mr Gatt said: “ It is essential that a fair deal is reached with the Faroes and Iceland”.

Bertie Armstrong, Chief executive of the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, Said: “There is real anger on the quayside that such an important fishery to Scotland is being threatened by the irresponsible actions of Iceland and the Faroes. We have initiated a range of conservation measures to ensure the stock is in a healthy state and all this work could be undone id a resolution is not reached”.
Last year mackerel; brought £135 million into the economy, making it the Scottish fleet’s most valuable fish.

Today’s (Monday) meeting was held at Fraserburgh Leisure Centre.

Source: By John Kinsman"

WorldFishingToday d. 13-09-2010