Norwegian fishing vessel operators’ federation Fiskebåt is advising its members to keep their vessels out of the Russian zone of the Barents Sea until further notice.
This advice is due to the situation resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent tense relations between Russia and the West.
‘Our thoughts go first and foremost to those who live in Ukraine, but at the same time we must maintain a continuous assessment what consequences the situation will have for our members’ activities,’ said Fiskebåt CEO Audun Maråk.
On Sunday, Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Norwegians to not travel to Russia.
‘In our view, there is an increased risk that Norwegian vessels may encounter problems when fishing in the Russian zone, and that it may be more difficult for the foreign service to help in such situations now than in the past,’ Audun Maråk said.
‘Fiskebåt therefore recommends that Norwegian vessels avoid fishing in the Russian economic zone until further notice.’
As far as Fiskebåt is aware, there are currently no Norwegian fishing vessels in the Russian zone. The reciprocal zone approach agreed between Norway and Russia remains in force, and there have been no reports that either of the parties intends to make changes to fisheries co-operation.
