In line with the long-term management strategy adopted in 2015, the Parties recommend for 2017 a total catch limitation of 1,020,996 tonnes for the mackerel fishery in the North-East Atlantic. The EU will benefit from a quota of 503,245 tonnes. The Parties also set aside a Coastal State and NEAFC reserve equivalent to 15.6% of the total TAC, to provide for new adherents to the Arrangement such as Iceland and Greenland.

Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella welcomed the agreement: “This year we were able to increase the fishing opportunities for our fishermen thanks to the sound management of the stock since 2014. The increase will mean over €500 million in revenue for fishermen, which is an additional €50 million compared to last year. The mackerel stock is of huge importance for the Union’s coastal communities and in particular for the fishing and processing industry. I’m especially grateful that all parties continue to respect our long-term management strategy, based on science. It is our joint responsibility to manage this valuable stock in a sustainable manner."

In addition to the three-Party Arrangement, a bilateral arrangement was also concluded between the EU and Norway. This contains provisions for the mackerel fishery in Norwegian and EU waters in the course of 2017. 

Annex

TACs and quotas for 2017

In accordance with the 2014-2018 Mackerel Arrangement, the Delegations agreed to the following arrangement on the quota shares for 2017:

Tonnes

European Union:                                                  503,245

Faroe Islands:                                                      128,655

Norway:                                                               229,821

Other Coastal States and fishing Parties:           159,275

TOTAL TAC                                                         1,054,000