The future of Europe’s most valuable pelagic stock is in danger after talks in Clonakilty ended without a deal.
Coastal States disagreed on how to share mackerel catches from 2026, despite strong warnings from scientists.
Seafood Ireland Alliance sounds alarm
According to the media outlet The Skipper, the Seafood Ireland Alliance (SIA), present as observers, stated that only the EU delegation showed urgency. Patrick Murphy of the ISWFPO warned: “We need a unified and responsible approach if the stock is to recover.” He accused Norway and others of being “in denial” about the science.
Disputed quotas and Russian pressure
Norway, the Faroes and the UK rejected compromise proposals, instead pushing for what the SIA called “inflated unilateral quotas.” Aodh O’Donnell of the IFPO described their trilateral counterproposal as “a quota grab” that risks long-term damage.
Concerns also grew about Russian vessels fishing in international waters with little monitoring. Dominic Rihan of the KFO said their scale of activity “far exceeds sustainable levels.”
Industry fears and next steps
The SIA left Clonakilty frustrated by the deadlock, warning that Irish fleets could face bankruptcy next year without support.
Talks are scheduled to resume in October, when new scientific advice will be presented. The alliance hopes the figures will finally push states to act.