The case in summary: The Directorate of Fisheries proposes a fishing ban in parts of the Oslofjord to improve the fjord’s condition, which has been worsened by overfishing, sewage discharge and climate change. 18-year-old professional fisherman Sander Søberg fears that a fishing ban will have major consequences for him, as his small boat cannot bear going out to sea any further. The Directorate of Fisheries recognizes that a fishing ban can have major consequences for both hobby and professional fishermen, with potential loss of catch. The Norwegian Hunters’ and Fishermen’s Association (NJFF) is not against zero fishing in certain areas, but believes that the proposal is dramatic and intrusive. – In the worst case, I go bankrupt, says the 18-year-old. At Hvaler in Østfold stands a young boy with a small boat and a big dream. He wants to make a living from his job as a fisherman. But Norwegian fisheries authorities can stick sticks in the wheels. Last week, the Directorate of Fisheries came up with three recommendations that could improve the condition of the Oslofjord. The fjord is sick and there is a danger that the wildlife will disappear completely. One of the proposals is a complete halt to all fishing in large parts of the fjord. – A fishing ban will affect me very badly. The proposal limits me greatly. I have a small boat and it can’t stand going out to sea anymore, says Sander Søberg. Three options for the Oslofjord Option 1: Continue with current rules from 2019 Ban on fishing in spawning grounds for cod from 1 January to 30 April. Ban on bottom nets and cod fishing within the baseline from Telemark to the Swedish border. Possibility of exemption for a smaller group of vessels. Alternative 2: Increased species selectivity and restrictions Ban on commercial fishing with non-selective gear such as nets and lines. Requirements for selective devices such as sorting grids in trawl fishing. Restriction of recreational fishing to hand-held gear and stricter regulation of fishing lines. Alternative 3: Zero-fishing areas Creation of three larger zero-fishing areas where all fishing is stopped: Inner part of the Oslofjord (within a line between Horten and Moss), Færder National Park and Ytre Hvaler National Park. Halt in sprat fishing throughout the fjord. On 21 June, the Ministry of Fisheries received the input from the Directorate of Fisheries. Directorate: Zero fishing will have the greatest effect The Oslofjord is sick for several reasons, according to researchers. Overfishing has reduced the number of fish. Sewage emissions and climate change have also changed the condition over time. The Directorate of Fisheries believes that zero-fishing areas will have the greatest effect on the poor condition of the fjord. – The measures proposed in alternative three will have the greatest expected effect on the ecosystem in the Oslofjord, the directorate writes on its website. But at the same time, they recognize that the consequences can be great for those who engage in hobby and professional fishing. – The consequences for recreational fishing cannot be quantified. For commercial fishing, the consequences consist of loss of catch, screams the directorate. The three alternatives have now been sent over to the Ministry of Fisheries. They are the ones who have the final say on what will happen. A ban on fishing in certain areas is alternative three to regulate fishing in the Oslo Fjord. Graphics: Directorate of Fisheries Afraid he will have to sell the boat Sander Søberg was introduced to fishing by his grandfather. Throughout his upbringing, he has been with him on trips. He fishes lobster, but also mackerel. – I clearly believe that it is better to tighten up a bit than to completely ban fishing in the fjord. We who are here at Hvaler do not notice that the catch has decreased. The fjord is good here. Sander Søberg hopes the authorities will stop banning all fishing. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news The proposed three measures will last for the next ten years. The directorate intends to tighten the rules from today, which will only have an effect for those who fish bottom fish with large ships and boats. Thus no change in the poor condition of the fjord. Now the 18-year-old and a number of other fishermen fear the consequences. – In the end, I may end up having to sell my boat and the equipment because I don’t get the income I need. This will affect many more people than me, he says. Will affect at least 100 fishermen Indre Skagerrak Fishermen’s Association is strongly critical of the most drastic proposal to stop all fishing in large parts of the fjord. According to them, this will affect around 100 professional fishermen – and even more hobby fishermen. – If there is a complete stop for ten years, as the directorate proposes, then it will not be possible to build it up again, says leader of the fishing team, Jan Bredsand. Norway’s Hunter and Fishermen’s Association (NJFF) says they are not against zero fishing in certain areas. – But this is a dramatic and invasive proposal. If we are going to agree to something, then option two could be to tighten the situation today, says Øyvind Fjeldseth, advisor at NJFF. Øyvind Fjeldseth in the Norwegian Hunter and Fishermen’s Association. Photo: Norwegian Hunters and Fishermen’s Association The Norwegian Hunters and Fishermen’s Association is now waiting for the proposals to the Norwegian Environment Agency and the full report from the Norwegian Fisheries Directorate. They have not decided which of the three proposals they will support. Family-inspired 18-year-old Øyvind Fjeldseth understands that recreational fishermen are worried about the future of the sea. Sander Søberg is 18 years old and dreams of a life as a fisherman. The authorities can stick a stick in the wheel for that. Photo: Rahand Bazaz / news – The aim of the directorate is to get the cod back, put a little on the tip. But they therefore propose in one of their three alternative proposals to stop absolutely all harvesting in the fjord. It is perfectly possible to fish for mackerel and sea trout as the situation is now, he says. In the autumn, Sander Søberg will start as an apprentice in fishing and trapping. The boat he will be working on is large and can therefore go further out to sea. But there is no hope for his boat. Published 08.07.2024, at 17.37
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The Directorate of Fisheries proposes a fishing ban in the Oslofjord – news Østfold – Local news, TV and radio
