‘The sharp reduction of the shrimp quota in the North Sea and Skagerrak is a dramatic one for the entire fishing industry along the coast of the Skagerrak and the Oslo Fjord,’ said Kåre Heggebø, head of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association.
‘In a meeting with leadership of the Ministry of Trade and Fisheries, we emphasised the very serious situation and that there is a need for action.’
The meeting with Secretary of State Vidar Ulriksen took place against a backdrop of a serious situation facing the shrimp fleet. Earlier this summer a new ICES stock assessment and a new calculation model indicated a lower assessment of the stock than before.
‘Norwegian fisheries are based on strong, knowledge-based management. At the same time, we feel there is reason to call for a more thorough review of the new model for calculating the shrimp population,’ Kåre Heggebø said.
The shrimp quota reduction will hit the operating basis for coastal fleet in the south of Norway, with negative effects for the entire value chain. The Norwegian Fishermen’s Association believes that it is necessary to put measures in place so that the shrimp fishermen can make it through a challenging period.
‘There may be several measures that are possibilities, and it was useful that we were able to discuss the alternatives. We are satisfied that the political leadership recognises the difficult situation for the shrimp industry, and that they are signalling a clear will to find solutions. There is a need for both short-term and long-term measures, and we have arranged a new meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in early August,’ Kåre Heggebø said.
