Scottish trawlermen have welcomed an agreement for sanctions to be imposed against countries involved in unsustainable fishing practices.

The European Parliament agreement paves the way for sanctions against Iceland the Faroes after they increased mackerel quotas.

Vessels believed to be over-fishing could be prevented from landing their catch at EU ports.

Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, said: “We have been calling for these sanction measures for a long time and we are delighted at this sanctions package.

“The two most important elements are for the sanction measures to be meaningful, which is clearly the case here, and the second is the timing of implementation so as to ensure that these measures are in place prior to the commencement of the October negotiations.

“Hopefully these measures will make Iceland and the Faroes realise that their unsustainable fishing practices will not be tolerated by the responsible international fisheries community. It is vital that both these countries now come back to the negotiating table and reach a sensible international management arrangement for the precious mackerel stock that will ensure a sustainable future for the fishery.”