Rost, a small fishing community in Norway, is fully involved in fishing as their children are making good pocket money by selling cod tongue. Preben Fagervik, a 12-year-old boy, told that the after the school hour the children rush to the factory to get started. Cod tongue is a delicacy in certain parts of Norway and Europe where one kilo of cod tongue is worth an estimated US$300.
These children are so expert in cutting out the tongue that they can make more in a matter of minutes, affording them the opportunity to garner more money than many of the adults in their town. Preben’s cousin Dennis, a 13-year-old boy, had earned a total of US$5,000 form February to April in 2007.
Glea, one of the biggest fishing factories in Rost, give cod heads to the children free of charge. The children in turn then sell the tongues in the neighbouring town of Bodo turning what the company sees as ‘disposables’ into monetary gain. According to Preben the children maintain bank account ot save their earned money and use it for their own needs.
