Although borders are closing across Europe, this doesn’t necessarily apply to fish landings. Norwegian pelagic sales organisation Sildelaget has responded to questions from skippers and owners, laying out the situation for landing fish in Denmark, which closed its borders last week.
‘According to the Danish authorities, this does not apply to goods going in and out of the country,’ Sildelaget reports.
‘As far as freight transport is concerned, there is a need to maintain and not disrupt necessary supply chains, including food supplies, and Denmark’s import and great importance is placed on import and export of goods. As a rule, no control of freight transport will be carried out.’
The Danish industry has also implemented measures so there need be no contact between crews and landing staff. There is no need for crew to step ashore, and nobody needs to go on board as communications can be carried out by phone.
‘The pelagic boats landing blue whiting must handle their own landings and flus tanks themselves. This is also a good example for managing landings in Norway, limiting interaction between crews and the authorities,’ said Sildelaget’s spokesman, adding that as the organisation has introduced electronic signatures for documentation, that can also be completed without the need to go ashore.’
‘Sildelaget continues to monitor the coronavirus situation and is maintaining a close dialogue with customers and fishermen.’
