Kristian Sandtov, the Norwegian Pelagic Association has written to the Ministry of Trande and Industry on the ongoing situation with the mackerel fishing
The Norwegian Pelagic Fisheries Association (PF) has written to the Ministry of Trade and Industry regarding the ongoing mackerel fishing.
In the letter the PF has informed the Ministry that the record high mackerel quota this year has created some challenges in fishing and processing industries. The fishing so far is characterized by “interval lulls” where the fishing has been inconsistent. The industry has also faced challenges with packaging shortages, blown up freezing and storage capacity and shipping.
The letter states that with a view to the forthcoming coastal state negotiations, and any negotiations on a share of the quota, it has been a stated goal to fish as many fish as possible in Norwegian zones. It is also a goal to fish as large a part of the Norwegian quota as possible. With regard to zone affiliation, these are particularly important objectives that the Pelagic Association supports.
“Based on the factors above, questions have been raised as to whether there is a need for adjustments to the Norwegian mackerel regulation, for example in the form of a redistribution or adjustment of the quota flex,” writes Kristian Sandtorv, Chairman of the PF.
“The board of the Pelagic Association believes it is too early to raise the question of a possible redistribution now. This creates concern and unrest in the fishing fleet, and there is a risk of an increased fishing rate, which in turn increases the pressure on the land industry. Fishermen should be given some more time to fish their allocated quotas before raising the issue of a possible redistribution. By waiting for something with a possible redistribution, one will also ease the pressure on the land industry, and the fleet will be able to fish more mackerel with the right quality in the «premium catch period».
“The mackerel fishery is very valuable, and any changes in the regulation can have major financial consequences for our members. We therefore assume that no changes are made to the regulation without a prior consultation in the industry,” concluded Sandtov.