New Regulation of Bottom Fishing in Norwegian Waters

- Protection of vulnerable marine species and habitats is a priority for the Norwegian government. With the introduction of a new regulation for bottom fishing in Norwegian Waters, Norway takes an important step in the ecosystem-approach to fisheries management, said Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen.

- The new regulation implements calls from the UN to identify and protect vulnerable marine species and bottom habitats. Additionally, it is important that we continue and extend the work we are already doing in regional fisheries management organizations. These efforts confirm our commitment to sustainable fisheries, and strengthen the protection of marine biodiversity, said the Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.

The new regulation is based on the FAO International Guidelines for the Management of Deep-sea Fisheries in the High Seas, which are designed to provide guidance on management factors ranging from an appropriate regulatory framework to the components of a good data collection program. In general, the new regulation is similar to measures introduced in international waters of the North-Atlantic Ocean.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs has issued a regulation that regulates fishing with bottom gear in the Norwegian economic zone, the fisheries zone around Jan Mayen and the fisheries protection zone around Svalbard. The new regulation will enter into force from 1 September 2011.

The new regulation consists of the following elements:

• Fishing areas are divided into two categories: existing fishing areas (waters shallower than 1000 meters) and new fishing areas (waters deeper than 1000 meters).
• Regardless of fishing area, vessels shall for each catch estimate the quantity of indicators on vulnerable bottom habitats, such as live corals and sponges. Threshold values are set at 60 kg living corals and 800 kg living sponge. If a catch exceeds these threshold values, vessels are required to submit a special report to the authorities, as well as leave the fishing area.
• In existing fishing areas, where fishing has taken place for decades, the perceived impact on the ecosystem is considered tolerable and thus the fishing activity can continue, but with stricter monitoring and reporting requirements.
• There will be stricter requirements for fishing in new fishing areas. In order to commence fishing activities with bottom gear in new fishing areas, vessels must obtain a special permit, which is subject to number of criteria being met. The Directorate of Fisheries may also require that vessels fishing in new fishing areas must have an observer on board.

The new regulation represents a major step forward in addressing both fisheries management and marine biodiversity conservation in an integrated manner. Norway is the first country to implement the FAO guidelines in its own waters.