The work of the Our Resource (Auðlindin okkar) working group appointed by Iceland’s Minister of Fisheries Svandís Svavarsdóttir has delivered its findings in the form of an extensive report – and its conclusions could have far-reaching effects if it recommendations are ever to be followed.
These include doing away with definitions of linked entities that apply specifically to the country’s seafood sector, and which currently enable three major company groupings with close connections to collectively hold just over 45% of all quotas.
If the definitions of linked entities are ever rejigged as the report suggests, then the groupings around Samherji (including Síldarvinnslan and Vísir), Brim (and its links with Útgerðarfélag Reykjavíkur and others) and FISK Seafood-Vinnslustöðin would find themselves significantly above the current allowable quota holding thresholds – which would presumably require assets and fishing rights to be disposed of.
There is an apparently inexorable shift towards quotas and resources falling into increasingly fewer hands as larger industry players continue to swallow smaller ones. This is widely unpopular, but despite efforts and promises made by numerous governments in recent years, the trend continues.
The Our Resource initiative was set rolling by the present administration to examine ways to achieve a settlement within Icelandic society as a whole on the question of what are supposed to be a state-owned resource, but which has become the de facto property of a relatively small group of businesses.
‘The work that has been done with Our Resource is an important step towards creating the environment needed for a greater settlement aorund the seafood sector. The interests of the public are at the forefront and are reflected in the strong emphasis on environmental issues, greater transparency and increases in the catch levy in line with financial policy,’ Svandís Svavarsdóttir said.
The report’s findings are in three sections – environment, economy and community. The report makes recommendations for seafood industry policy, presents analysis of polling to gauge the opinions and attitudes of Icelanders to the seafood industry, and also provides an analysis of the benefits at a national level of the fisheries management system.
On the basis of the working group’s recommendations, a suggested schedule for action is suggested, setting out priorities and responsible entities, as well as a timeframe.
Comments relating to the contents of the report can be sent to the Ministry up to 26th September, and these will be considered as the Ministry prepares a bill concerning the exploitation and management of commercial marine stocks that is expected to be presented to Parliament in the spring of next year.
