Sanctions could be brought in for overfishing of mackerel stocks under new proposals from Europe.

Talks are under way over concerns that the Faroes and Iceland are overfishing after they set their own limits for how much mackerel they could catch.

European Commission proposals could establish new sanctions to be used against any country engaging in unsustainable fishing which threatens stocks.

They will now be discussed at the Fisheries Council this week.

Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead welcomed the new proposals.

He said: "For more than a year we have been asking the commission to bring forward concrete measures for sanctions, to address excessive mackerel fishing by Faroes and Iceland, outwith an international agreement.

"We need to explore all options as we seek a resolution and with a sanctions proposal on the table that can be applied against any country engaging in unsustainable fishing. This would give the EU more leverage when talks resume in January, while providing added incentive for Faroes and Iceland to negotiate reasonably.

"Our priority continues to be securing an international agreement for the fishery in 2012, however we cannot stand back while this valuable stock is plundered. If we are to ensure mackerel is sustainably fished and Scottish industry safeguarded, it’s critical that we have power to use sanctions, as and when required."

This year the Faroe Islands set themselves a mackerel quota of 150,000 tonnes, up 75% from the previous year. Icleand set a quota of 147,000 tonnes.

In 2010 mackerel was Scotland's most valuable catch, worth £113m to the Scottish economy.

IN DETAIL

• Minister's warning as mackerel talks get under way