The Ministry of Trade and Fisheries has today asked the Directorate of Fisheries to assess the future regulation of capelin fishing by the coastal group in the Barents Sea. The comprehensive review will look in particular at the regulation of participation in the fishery.

 

"In recent years there has been a development in capelin fishing and in the quota stock in general. Therefore, the time has come to take a closer look at the regulation. We have an open stance on whether the regulation of capelin fishing should be changed. Before we decide on any changes, we need a greater knowledge base", says Minister for Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss.

 

The background to the review is that for several years, fishing has been perceived as unpredictable for the fleet and the industry. Today, fishing is regulated by registrations and lotteries, which are organised by the Directorate of Fisheries and the Norwegian Herring Sales Association.

 

 

The Ministry of Trade and Fisheries has not set guidelines for the Directorate of Fisheries' review of the regulation and it is not clear what the outcome of the process will be. However, the ministry draws attention to the fact that if this process ends with a decision to limit participation in fishing, today's date will be the deadline. Activities carried out, or agreements on investments concluded after the deadline, will not form the basis for future participation.

 

 

Capelin live pelagically (in the sea, not close to shore) in large schools. They feed on zooplankton, such as krill and redfish. Capelin is a prey species for cod. It has a short lifespan and usually dies after spawning. Therefore, stock and quotas vary greatly from year to year.

 

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