The cooperation with Russia takes place in the framework of the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission, which sets the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the three shared stocks of cod, haddock and capelin in the Barents Sea – Svalbard – Northern Norwegian Sea area.
Since the late 1990s the Commission has sought to implement a precautionary approach – based on the scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, ICES.
In 2001, the Commission initiated work on a resource management plan for cod, aiming to stabilize catch levels over time – while at the same time maintaining the stock at a precautionary level. Subsequently, this plan only allows for minor adjustments to the quota levels from year to year. The status of most fish stocks in the north has been considered thriving. The enforcement of fisheries regulations in the area suffered due to the prevalence of IUU (illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing) fisheries of cod until 2007. However, the IUU fisheries have now been reduced significantly.
Cooperation with the EU on the management of joint stocks
The cooperation with the EU on the management of joint stocks in the North Sea is more complex than that with Russia in the north. It involves a larger number of shared stocks, and the quota exchanges that involve non-shared stocks are also higher.
The cooperation involves access for EU vessels to fish quotas for Norwegian-Arctic cod in the Barents Sea, in return for corresponding access for Norwegian vessels in EU waters. This arrangement originates in pre-Exclusive Economic Zone fishing patterns and the exchange is intended to maintain a balance in the fishing opportunities provided. The cooperation also involves development of long-term management plans for certain joint stocks such as cod, haddock, saithe and herring. Such management regimes are intended to ensure prudent management of fish stocks, and also to contribute to stable framework conditions for the fishing industry. At the same time, the control and enforcement of fisheries regulations is addressed by the cooperation. Norway has a close cooperation with the European Commission on the issue of addressing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU). The process of co-operation with the EU and member states regarding control of pelagic landings has developed in a very positive direction with regards to the effective management of the resources.
Last updated: 08.03.2010