Photo: Norges Fiskarlag/FIS

Norwegian Fishermen's Association Welcomes EU Clarifications

NORWAY
Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

The Norwegian Fishermen's Association (Norges Fiskarlag) expressed satisfaction with recent EU clarifications on fisheries cooperation, according to association leader Kåre Heggebø.

Following Brexit, several key issues in Norway-EU fisheries cooperation remained unresolved. However, the Norwegian Fishermen's Association notes that Norway and the EU have now clarified several of these, bringing more stability to their shared fisheries management.

"We commend the government for securing an agreement with the EU on the outstanding cod quota issues in the Svalbard Fisheries Protection Zone," said Kåre Heggebø, head of the Norwegian Fishermen's Association. "With cod stocks declining in the Barents Sea, it’s vital to keep all catches within the established quotas for northeast Arctic cod."

The EU and Norway also agreed on a quota for redfish in international waters based on recommendations from coastal states, though a consensus has yet to be reached on banning collection bags in shrimp fisheries in the Smutthullet area.

"We expect Norway and the EU to continue discussions on technical regulatory measures to reach mutually beneficial solutions," Heggebø added.

Government Statement

"Respecting principles related to Norwegian fisheries management and sovereignty is essential to our relationship with the EU," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. "We are pleased to have agreed on key unresolved issues in fisheries."

The EU has committed to ensuring that all cod catches in the Svalbard Fisheries Protection Zone and Smutthullet adhere to Norway's established quota. This agreement strengthens management of the vital cod stock in the Barents Sea. Additionally, the EU will support Norway’s proposal for a herring quota in international waters in the Norwegian Sea.

For more information, refer to the government’s full press release from Monday afternoon (external link in Norwegian).

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