The Icelandic authorities have protested at the US government’s decision to place Atlantic cod on a list of endangered species, based on reports of IUU fishing.
Cod is on a list compiled by a Presidential committee and the decision could have serious repercussions for sales of cod from Iceland, Norway and other countries on the US market under a new traceability regime. Iceland’s opinion is that the decision requires additional explanation and many aspects of this are still unclear.
Jens Garðar Helgason of vessel operators’ and producers’ federation Fisheries Iceland commented that clarity is required, not least on the concept of ‘trusted Trader’ and whether this applies to Iceland as a whole or to individual companies.
Icelandic authorities have been in contact with Norwegian and Canadian counterparts, who stand to be similarly affected, with the intention of reach a solution so that producers do not become embroiled in products being prevented from reaching US markets.
Iceland’s exports to the US increased by 29% from 2014 to 2015. According to Fisheries Iceland, there has been a significant increase in sales from Iceland to the Boston region in particular.
