From 1 July this year, the ERS regulation was introduced for vessels between 11 and 15 metres. This means that fishermen on relatively small boats must deal with new methods for electronic reporting of catch and activity data. A set of regulations many now believe is too difficult for small boats to handle. – It goes without saying that it will not be easy for a small fleet with few people on board. They now have exactly the same requirements for documentation as large fleets with far more on board, says fisherman Roger Hansen to news. He is supported by the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, which tells of several desperate fishermen. Think the system already worked The new regulations mean that fishermen must use electronic reporting systems that have been approved by the Directorate of Fisheries. These systems will ensure that the fishermen, among other things: Notify the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries when they leave port (DEP). Estimates catch and provides information on catching operations (DCA). Gives notice before they go into port (POR). The scheme replaces the previous solution Kystfiskeapp. Roger Hansen has been a fisherman since 1983 and is the leader of Fiskarlaget Nord. He himself has been at sea with Skarsvåg Kystfiske A/S twice since the regulations were introduced. Roger Hansen is a professional fisherman and chairman of Fiskarlaget Nord. He believes the new regulations will cause both frustration and fines for many fishermen. Photo: Privat He questions why a new system should be introduced. – We already have a system the fishermen have learned and know well. Then we get a rigid and very complicated system that we have to deal with, he says to news. – The coastal fishing app did exactly the same, only easier. Challenging with cold fishing fingers Head of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, Kåre Heggebø, gives Hansen a long way to support that the new system is complicated. He points out that the vessels often operate in very difficult areas that require a lot of attention. – When you also have to press on a mobile phone or a PC with cold, wet fishing fingers, it is challenging. Kåre Heggebø, head of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association. Photo: Jan-Erik Indrestrand / Norwegian Fishermen’s Association In addition, the fishermen do not only have good weather at sea. – On a fine weather day, most things go well, but challenges can arise at a second’s notice. The authorities often do not realize that a fishing boat is not an office where you sit quietly. Fisherman Roger Hansen emphasizes that control and monitoring of fishing in Norway is important. But he believes that the new regulations mean that fishermen on small boats have too many tasks to deal with at the same time. – We cannot have a system that is so complicated to implement that the fishermen are in danger of being fined because they do not manage to do everything the authorities ask of them. news has been in contact with the Directorate of Fisheries – which did not have the opportunity to answer questions on Saturday morning. – Never too late to turn around – Is the system so difficult that it could jeopardize the safety of the fishermen at sea? – Yes, I would certainly say that, answers Hansen. He points out that the fishermen must, for example, send a DCA message between 11:00 p.m. and 02:00 a.m. – Many times it is both dark and black, but then you have to send in this message. If not, you risk being fined. Fishing may look idyllic in fine weather, but on dark autumn and winter days it can be challenging. Photo: Synnøve Sundby Fallmyr Hansen adds: – All these digital registrations that have to be done in all kinds of weather challenge the fisherman, who must also take care of the boat, use and not least the safety on board. Hansen has now called on the political leadership to turn around. – Go back to the digital arrangement we had before. It takes care of the control in a good way. We are happy to discuss whether it needs to be changed over time, but use common sense. Important for better mapping Fisheries and oceans minister Bjørnar Selnes Skjæran tells news that the introduction of the regulations is the result of long work by both the current and previous governments. A separate fisheries control committee has worked on a proposal on how fisheries control can be strengthened. Skjæran says what is now being introduced is important for several reasons: Bjørnar Skjæran says there are many reasons why even better fisheries control will be put in place. Photo: Lars-Bjørn Martinsen / news – Firstly, the fish is owned by the people in common and must be managed in a good way. It is then important that we have good control systems so that dishonest fishermen do not get a competitive advantage. – Another important reason is that we know we will establish more industries in the sea. I have made it very clear that no fishermen should be driven away from important fishing grounds. We must then have good documentation of where the fishing is taking place. The Minister of Fisheries and Oceans emphasizes that a claimable subsidy of NOK 7,000 has been introduced for the purchase of equipment, and that those who fish only near the coast are exempt from the requirement for a satellite subscription. – I can understand that it can be perceived as demanding, but we have to see it in operation over a period of time before we can evaluate whether it is a good solution or whether we have to make changes. More targeted control When asked why the Coastal Fishing App had to give way, Bjørnar Skjæran replied that it did not provide good enough documentation. – It did not provide enough information, as well as the fact that we are not able to control all the quays. We must have more targeted control, answers Skjæran. – If there is a lot of feedback that this is too demanding, is it appropriate to change the system? Bjørnar Skjæran has faith that the fishermen will be able to adopt the new system, but understands that it is demanding to adopt new technology. Photo: Rune Nordgård Andreassen / news – Now we will let this system work over time and adhere to the deadlines that have been set. This summer, the rules were introduced for the fleet between 15 and 11 metres, the smallest fleet will also be introduced next year. Skjæran adds: – We have made a plan for this which I believe is important that we stick to it. But I can understand that adopting new technology is demanding. – You are not worried that the fishermen will not be allowed to do what they are actually supposed to; fishing? – I am not afraid of that. In any workplace, it is the manager who decides the order in which things are to be done. I have great confidence that all the good fishermen are able to make the right assessments, and that we must let this system work over time.
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The ERS regulations for vessels over 11 meters cause concern among fishermen – news Nordland
