Headline:
Finnmark Tops Fishing Industry, Leaving Other Regions Behind, Report Shows
Article:
Finnmark has emerged as the undisputed winner in Norway’s fishing industry, according to a new report by research institute Nofima. The region has welcomed nearly half of all the new fishing vessels in the country’s open group, which includes boats less than 11 meters long without their own quota. Meanwhile, other major fishing regions like Troms, Nordland, and Møre og Romsdal have seen their numbers halved.
Fischer Mari-Ann Johansen from Tromvik expresses concern about the inequality, stating, "If they introduce more special arrangements only for Finnmark, I’ll cry. It doesn’t feel right or fair." Her fears are echoed by Tommy Torvanger, the CEO of Nergård, a fishing conglomerate in Troms. He warns against new crisis orders that could exacerbate the imbalance between coastal communities and the fleet.
Gull Year for Finnmark
The Nofima report reveals that the number of land-based industries dependent on the fishing fleet has grown significantly in Finnmark over the past decade. This growth contrasts with the decline in such industries in Nordland and Troms. Audun Iversen, a researcher at Nofima, attributes this development to favorable regulations that have attracted new fishers to the region.
Finnmark’s success extends to its seafood processing industry, which has fared better than the rest of the country. The report highlights significant investments and innovations in the region’s fish processing sector, contributing to its robust performance.
Battling for Torske Kvoter
The looming reduction in Norway’s cod quota by 20 percent, along with the shift in quota distribution, has sparked concerns. A study conducted by NRK and Nofima forecasts that coastal fishing vessels could lose up to 14 percent of their cod quota. Tommy Torvanger estimates that his company’s five deep-sea trawlers could face a total reduction of around 25 percent in their cod quota.
Mari-Ann Johansen laments the neglect of small fishing villages like Tromvik, saying, "First we lost the store, then we lost the school, then the kindergarten. Now there’s only one Norwegian left working at the fish processing plant." She fears that the exodus of young fishers to Finnmark villagers will lead to the collapse of her community.
In light of these challenges, sentral politickers from the Center Party call for the reinstatement of mandatory deliveries for coastal trawlers to fishing communities in Finnmark. However, Tommy Torvanger, warning against well-intended but misguided crisis interventions, urges caution.
Featured Image:
Audun Iversen, a researcher at Nofima, discusses his findings on the development of Norway’s fishing industry. (Photo: Erik Waagbø / NRK)
Additional Images:
- Mari-Anne Johansen, a member of the board of both Tromvik Fishermen’s Association and Nord Fishermen’s Association, stands by her fishing vessel in Tromvik.
- Eieren av denne sjarken i Tromvika, vurderer om han bør ta med familien sin fra Tromvik og flytte til Finnmark. (Photo: Erik Waagsbø / NRK)
Audio:
Listen to hear Mari-Ann Johansen’s take on the changing fishing landscape in Northern Norway.
