Norwegian vessel operators’ federation Fiskebåt has seen its membership boosted as twenty new members joined recently, bringing its membership up to include approximately 180 member fishing vessels that between then account for between 70 and 80% of the Norwegian fleet’s catch values.
‘In the Last few days we have had a steady stream of new members,’ said Fiskebåt director Audun Maråk. ‘There are members who have been pat of local organisations and the Pelagic Association. It seems we are positive, and now it’s up to us to provide a service they are happy with. Fiskebåt is here for its members, not vice versa. Much of the work we do at Fiskebåt has always been of value to the fishing fleet as a whole, and this has been noticed.’
He said that this increase in membership strengthens Fiskebåt’s position, providing increased influence in dealing with politicians and decision makers.
‘Vessels over 21 metres account for nearly 80% of primary value in Norwegian fishing. This should increasingly be reflected in the policy and regulatory framework for the fishing fleet,’ he said, adding that Fiskebåt has also made positive contributions to implementing eco-labelling (with the Seafood Alliance), as well as bolstering research and improving understanding between the seagoing sector and those ashore in connection with the Tveterås proposals.
‘A ’new’ group of members will help boost Fiskebåt and this is a win-win situation for both new and existing members,’ Audun Maråk said, commenting that the organisation is in the process of hiring a new member of staff as part of focusing on its new members.
Fiskebåt is planning a membership meeting for large coastal vessels members to be held at the Nor-Fishing exhibition in Trondheim, and this will probably on Wednesday 17 August.
