Fisheries have always been a central component of Norwegian business and industry because Norway controlssome of the richest fishing grounds in the world.
The North Sea, Norwegian coast, Barents Sea and the Polar Front in the Norwegian Sea are all highly productive areas, and major fish resources spawn just off the coast of Norway.
The fisheries sector represents one of Norway’s most important export industries. Ever since the 12th century, stockfish has been an important export product. Today, Norway is one of the largest seafood suppliers in the world including both wild catch and aquaculture, and one of the largest exporters of seafood.
Sustainable management
Norwegian fisheries policy and management are based on the principles of sustainable harvest of the marine living resources. Sustainable harvest depends on healthy marine ecosystems. Maintaining the health of the sea is therefore a fundamental principle for all activities concerning fishing, sealing, whaling and aquaculture. Today, nearly all stocks with commercial value are regulated through quotas and licensing.
Norway has a diversified and technologically advanced fishing fleet, encompassing everything from small one-man inshore fishing vessels to large trawlers and purse seiners. Solid experience in the area of marine research and fisheries management Norwegian fisheries management is based on scientific advices.
Norway has more than hundred years of institutional experiences in fisheries management and marine research through the Directorate of Fisheries and the Institute of Marine Research, both established in the year 1900. In 1946, Norway became the first country in the world to establish a Ministry of Fisheries.
Zones under Norwegian fisheries jurisdiction
Norway has established three zones of 200 nautical miles.The legal regime for the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone around the Norwegian mainland is enshrined in the UN Law of the Sea Convention of 10 December 1982. A fishery protection zone around Svalbard was established with effect from 15 June 1977, and the fishery zone around Jan Mayen was established with effect from 29 May 1980.