But the move is being strongly opposed by Iceland's trawler owners federation who fear that it will open their fishing grounds to plunder from powerful fishing nations like Spain and France.

Up to now Iceland's grounds are largely fished by Icelandic vessels and are controlled by strict quotas, monitored by the Marine Research Institute which usually recommends catch limits.

Only one or two neighbouring states like the Faroe Islands have some limited access.

Recently a small group of British MPs have been in Iceland warning the country not to rush in, pointing out that membership had devasated much of the UK catching industry.

EU officials have said an Icelandic application would probably be looked on favourably by member states and that negotiations could move quickly due to the country's already strong ties to the bloc. But many obsvers feel that the EU has envious eyes on Iceland rich fishing and energy reserves (there are strong indications of oil reserves in that region).

The bad news for the fishing industry is that a recent poll showed 61 per cent of Icelanders are in favous of opening accession talks.

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