These agreements also aim to reduce landings of illegally caught fish, to ensure the sustainable management of the living resources of the sea, and to address environmental aspects in fisheries. In addition to containing general provisions, these agreements often determine more specific regulations such as quotas, and where and when to conduct fisheries as well.
As a direct implication of these agreements, Norwegian vessels are obligated to carry satellite transponders when fishing in the regulatory areas of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR). Usually, such agreements also contain provisions regarding mutual tracking of fishing vessels in the parties’ exclusive economic zones. (EEZ)
Cooperative resource control with other states
Norway’s focus on developing cooperative resource control with other states began in 1994. Since then, Norway has signed inspection agreements with 16 states.
In establishing inspection agreements, the parties initially agree to exchange information on landings from each other’s vessels. Often when these agreements are revised, the exchange of information on landings from third country vessels is also included in the agreements. The agreements usually cover exchange of inspection personnel both on shore and at sea as well. Importantly, the inspectors are entitled to be present as observers for landings in each other’s ports.
I 2010 Norway will continue its work of revising and, if applicable, entering into new agreements with relevant states. Norway has entered into cooperative agreements on resource control with the several states – including Canada, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Morocco, Russia and the EU.
Last updated: 08.03.2010