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Norway Might Stop Cod Fishing - Even If EU Does Not.
Fish Farming Today
1st November, 2002
THE fifth of November is the starting date of the quota negotiations between Norway and EU, however it has been over-shadowed by the recent recommendations for banning cod fisheries in the North Sea.
Petter Meier from the Norwegian fisheries ministry, who will be conducting the negotiations for Norway, does not want to reveal anything about demands prior to the meetings. However, talking to Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten on the possible cod ban, he said : “We do not own a large share of the cod and it is quite likely that we abstain from fishing it, if the EU choose to disregard the scientists' advice.”
This was also the message from Norwegian Fisheries Minister, Svein Ludvigsen in a recent interview with TV-channel NRK: “From Norwegian side, we have the attitude that this would be a sensible solution.”
He pointed out that Norway has previously been positive to banning fishing when it has been necessary due to nature resources.
“We did it with herring at one point. We have done it with capelin. This is necessary. If EU is ready to take this step, Norway will not be standing in their way,” said Mr Ludvigsen.
He expects there will be reactions from Norwegian fishermen, but added: “There are always reactions when you use dramatic measures. However, I have trust in Norwegian fishermen seeing that this will secure resources in a eternal perspective.”
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