The Norwegian Fisheries Association has expressed it’s satisfaction that important clarifications in fisheries cooperation with the EU are now in place
The Norwegian government and the EU have reached an agreement to resolve longstanding fisheries management issues that arose after Brexit.
The deal establishes a cod quota for EU vessels fishing in the Svalbard Fishery Protection Zone, a crucial area for sustainable cod harvesting in the Barents Sea. This quota, set at 9,217 tonnes for 2025, ensures that all EU cod catches fall within the framework now set by Norway, reinforcing Norway’s sovereignty over these resources.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed satisfaction, emphasising that the agreement respects “important principles of Norwegian fisheries management and sovereignty,” which he described as “fundamental in our relationship with the EU.”
He noted that the EU’s commitment to abiding by Norway’s cod quota would contribute to more sustainable management of cod stocks in the Barents Sea. “This agreement brings predictability in setting EU cod quotas in Svalbard’s fishery zone and ensures that all cod fished by EU vessels, including in Smutthullet, will count against the Norwegian-set quota,” Eide added.
This deal follows a political understanding established in April 2022, aiming to consolidate sustainable fishing practices and address EU quota reductions in Svalbard waters since Brexit.
The EU’s quota allocation has been adjusted to reflect the levels historically held by EU countries before the UK’s departure from the Union, a measure that Norwegian authorities believe will help stabilise management in the region. Importantly, this EU quota will not impact the percentage allocated to Norwegian fishers, whose quotas remain unchanged.
Kåre Heggebø, head of Norges Fiskarlag, Norway’s fishing association, commended the government for securing the agreement, stressing its importance in light of the decline in cod stocks in the Barents Sea. “In these circumstances, it is crucial that all harvesting remains within the established quota limits for Northeast Arctic cod,” Heggebø stated.
He also welcomed the EU’s support for Norway’s proposed redfish quota in the Norwegian Sea, which aligns with Coastal State recommendations for international waters. However, Heggebø called for continued discussions between Norway and the EU on technical regulations, particularly regarding a potential ban on collecting bags in shrimp fishing.
The agreement was formalised through an exchange of letters between Minister Eide and European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, following multiple rounds of discussions.
Minister Eide expressed optimism for ongoing cooperation, noting that this resolution, based on mutual respect and long-standing agreements, exemplifies the productive relationship between Norway and the EU in fisheries management.
