Iceland has been accused of taking an excessively large share of mackerel from the sea, despite its decision to cut its quota for the year.
The country has announced it will reduce the amount of mackerel it takes in 2013 by 15%, the Scottish Government said.
However, ministers and fishing industry bodies said the stock will continue to be damaged and they called for further action to manage it in a sustainable way.
The Faroe Islands and Iceland have both set themselves large quotas of mackerel in recent years, prompted by Atlantic populations of mackerel moving further north west into their waters.
However their stance has provoked an ongoing dispute with other countries who also target the fish.
Responding to Iceland’s decision to cut its quota, Fisheries Secretary Richard Lochhead said: “It is disappointing that Iceland remains intent on taking an excessively large share of the TAC (Total Allowable Catch), a greater share than Scotland, despite their short history in the fishery.
“This will continue to damage our most valuable stock and an opportunity has been missed to show willingness to help bring this dispute to end.
“I believe that the best way this can be achieved is by the appointment of an independent mediator who can facilitate cooperation in an objective and neutral manner. I am also calling on the EU (European Union) to deliver on promised action.
“The best outcome would be for them and Iceland to come back to the negotiating table with realistic proposals on which we can base an agreement.”
Ian Gatt, chief executive of the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, said: “Whilst Iceland is following the lead of the EU and Norway who have already reduced their mackerel quota by 15%, it is an inescapable fact that Iceland is still taking an excessively large share that is fished unilaterally.”