A forward-looking seafood industry is one of the main priorities of the Minister of Fisheries and the Ocean under the Government’s plan for Norway for the next four years.
– One of my most important projects moving forward is to help build a forward-looking and competitive seafood industry in Norway. The seafood industry creates jobs along the entire coast and is crucial for economic activity and population in coastal communities, particularly in Northern Norway. In a time marked by increased geopolitical unrest, this is more important than ever,” says Minister of Fisheries and the Ocean Marianne Sivertsen Næss in a press release.
The government has a clear goal of increasing seafood processing in Norway. The value generated by Norwegian seafood resources should, to a greater extent, remain here at home.
“Overall, this is about strengthening the social contract,” says Marianne Sivertsen Næss, Minister of Fisheries and the Ocean.
It must be profitable to create value on land
To succeed, working in the seafood industry must be profitable and attractive, while the industry must also remain competitive in a global raw materials market.
The seafood industry is diverse—in terms of size, ownership, and raw material sources. The government aims to support the existing industry while also fostering new development and innovation.
– Strengthening the competitiveness of the seafood industry doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why we’re working on several fronts. We will develop a clearer and more binding link between the harvesting of shared resources and economic activity, employment, and investment in local communities. This is a comprehensive and demanding task—but it is crucial for securing jobs, population retention, and optimism about the future along the entire coast,” says Minister of Fisheries and the Ocean Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Six Measures to Strengthen the Seafood Industry
- Improved Quality and Value in the Wild-Caught Fish Sector.
The government aims to improve the quality of the raw material landed in the wild-caught fish sector. An expert group is now being established to propose measures to improve the quality of the raw material that is landed. - Increase seafood consumption in Norway.
The government also aims to increase seafood consumption in the domestic market, in line with national dietary guidelines. This is particularly important given that seafood consumption has fallen by 17 percent over the past ten years, including a decline among children and young people. As part of this effort, a dedicated seafood network is being established to bring together stakeholders across the value chain to collaborate as effectively as possible to increase seafood consumption. - Developing the Fish Marketplace.
The primary market for fish in Norway should be a well-functioning marketplace that takes into account the interests of the entire value chain. As part of the effort to modernize and strengthen the sales system, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has conducted a follow-up review of the law. The report is open for public comment, with a deadline of February 27. - Review the quota system.
The purpose of the quota system is to ensure a stable supply of raw materials that can contribute to a profitable seafood industry and to safeguard settlement and employment in eligible coastal communities. The government believes that the current system does not sufficiently fulfill this purpose and has therefore established a multi-stakeholder committee that is now reviewing the system. - New Requirements for Weighing Systems at Fish Receiving Facilities.
The new requirements for automated solutions are intended to ensure better documentation of resource extraction, strengthen confidence in reporting, and contribute to a level playing field in the industry. - Fisheries regulations that strengthen the seafood industry.
The government will work to ensure that the annual fisheries regulations are designed to a greater extent to secure access to raw materials for the seafood industry. This will help safeguard jobs and lay the foundation for increased investment and further development along the coast.
Source: regjeringen.no
