Norwegian fishing industry organisation Fiskebåt has expressed its concern over Russian military exercises that began at the weekend and which will continue into this week.
The activity is within the Norwegian EEZ in the north-east area of the Barents Sea.
‘The Russians do not have the authority to close the area, and they are responsible for carrying out the exercise in such a way that safety is maintained,’ said Fiskebåt’s Sturla Roald, commenting that some individual vessels must decide whether they will comply with the order to leave the area or not.
‘Considering how the Russians behave in other areas, there may be reason to be concerned about the safety of vessels as well as staying in the area.’
He stated that Fiskebåt will follow up the case with the Norwegian government, as had been done on previous occasions, without any changes having taken place.
The exercise area is a large one, where there is fishing for redfish. Seven fishing vessels from Norway are currently reported to be there.
‘It’s a concern that the Russians are once again carrying out a naval exercise in the Norwegian economic zone at short notice, and without taking into account ongoing fishing activity,’ Sturla Roald said.
