Iceland sets mackerel quota for 2010

Iceland´s Minister of Fisheries, Jon Bjarnason, has set a mackerel quota for Icelandic vessels in 2010, reports www.megafishnet.com with reference to Iceland Seafood International.

This is 130,000 metric tons, compared with 112,000 tons in 2009 and in 2008.  In 2010 the bulk of the quota is allocated to spcific vessels, whereas in the past the quota has been olympic (i.e. free for all until the total quantity has been taken).   The quota for 2010 can be divided into three categories:

>>  112,000 tons allocated to specific vessels in accordance with catch experience 2007-2009.               

>>   15,000 tons to vessels not included in the group above (newcomers?).

>>   3,000 tons to vessels planning to fish on handline, line, in traps or in nets.