EU commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans visited the Norwegian minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy in Hammerfest
Press release | Date: 21/03/2025 | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries
On Thursday, March 20, the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, visited Hammerfest to meet with Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy, Marianne Sivertsen Næss. The visit is part of the ongoing dialogue between Norway and the EU and reflects a shared ambition to strengthen cooperation on fisheries and ocean issues.
– Norway and the EU have a long tradition of cooperating on fisheries management. I greatly appreciate that the Commissioner has come all the way to Hammerfest, my hometown, to see how Norway’s fisheries industry operates and to discuss key fisheries and ocean issues. In our meeting, have also addressed topics such as green transition of the fishing fleet, ocean research, catchID identification, sustainable food systems and trade in seafood, says Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Policy Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Gaining insight into Norway’s fisheries management
The programme in Hammerfest was designed to provide the commissioner with insight into various aspects of Norway’s fisheries management. The delegations started the day with a visit to Lerøy’s saltfish facility in Rypefjord. This was followed by a meeting with the Norwegian Coast Guard on board the new vessel KV Hopen, which had just participated in a rescue operation in Lyngen. The Coast Guard explained their role in resource control, and search and rescue (SAR) operations, and gave a tour of the vessel. Later in the day, there was a meeting between the delegations, as well as a guided tour of Hammerfest.
– We have had another great day together, getting to know each other better and discussing matters of mutual interest. Europe is crucial for Norway, for Norwegian exports, fisheries and ocean management, and for Norwegian jobs. But Norway is also important to the EU. Norwegian seafood contributes to economic activity and jobs in the EU. That’s why cooperation is essential – ensuring that we understand each other’s perspectives and needs. It’s important that we can engage in constructive dialogue on positive developments, as well as more challenging issues, says Sivertsen Næss.
Norway and the EU have cooperated on fisheries management for more than 40 years, which includes annual quota negotiations. The meeting in Hammerfest builds on the discussions Sivertsen Næss and Costas Kadis had when they met in Brussels in February.
