Europe 229
MID#354
Dispute Number: 354
Date(s): September 1, 1972 to November 13, 1973
Participants: 395 Iceland/200 United Kingdom
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Negotiated)
Fatalities: 1–25 deaths
Narrative: The Second Cod War was a dispute over contested territory between
Iceland and the United Kingdom. Iceland unilaterally declared an extension to its
exclusive economic zone from 12 nautical miles to 50 and began enforcement of the
new zone on September 1, 1972, despite an injunction from the International Court
of Justice trying to halt enforcement. Britain refused to recognize the extension, and
British fishermen continued to fish in the waters around Iceland. The Icelandic coast
guard cut several fishermen’s nets so Britain sent naval ships to protect its fishermen.
The Icelandic coast guard and British navy rammed each other several times.
NATO and the Council of Europe took some action to end the dispute, but the
greatest outside involvement came from the Soviet Union. At the request of the
Icelandic government the Soviet navy made a show of force with 10 ships and
10 submarines. Iceland also reportedly requested a gunboat from the Soviets
to strengthen its coast guard. Iceland and Britain ended the dispute through an
exchange of letters on November 13, 1973, whereby the British agreed to limit
the number, quality, and timing of fishing vessels to designated areas within the
50-mile EEZ.
Coding changes: End Date changed from November 8, 1973.
MID#619
Dispute Number: 619
Date(s): November 19, 1975 to June 1, 1976
Participants: 395 Iceland/200 United Kingdom
Outcome (and Settlement): Victory for side A (Negotiated)
Fatalities: None
Narrative: The Third Cod War was a dispute over contested territory between
Iceland and the United Kingdom. As in the two previous Cod Wars, Iceland unilat-
erally declared an extension to its exclusive economic zone, this time from 50 nauti-
cal miles to 200. Britain refused to recognize the extension, and British fishermen
continued to fish in the disputed waters. Once again, the Icelandic coast guard cut
fishermen’s nets, and Britain sent naval ships to protect its fishermen. The Icelandic
coast guard and British navy rammed each other several times and shots were fired.
On December 11, 1975, Iceland submitted a complaint to the UN Security Council
accusing Britain of “hostile acts.” Iceland and Britain ended the dispute through an
exchange of letters on June 1, 1976, whereby Britain agreed to further restrictions
on its fishing fleet.
Coding changes: Start Date changed from November 15, 1975.