Last week, the government restricted port access for Russian fishing vessels along the Norwegian coast. Russian vessels now only dock in Kirkenes, Tromsø and Båtsfjord. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs writes in an e-mail to news that the restrictions will come into force within a short time. Justice Minister Emilie Enger Mehl has said that all boats and ships that dock must be checked. The Customs Service was busy all of Friday. Here, the Norwegian Customs and Excise Board boards a Russian fishing vessel in Tromsø. This will happen on several Russian boats in the future. – Does not contribute to optimism Fisheries Minister Bjørnar Skjæran has emphasized that it is important that fisheries cooperation with Russia continues. This despite reduced Russian access to Norwegian ports. At the same time, the Russian ambassador Teimuraz Ramishvili writes the following in an e-mail to news: – This restriction does not contribute to optimism when it comes to cooperation between Norway and Russia. Russian fishing boats at the quay in Kirkenes in 2021. In 2020, Russian fishermen delivered fish to the value of NOK 1.6 billion in Norway. Photo: Terje Bendiksby / NTB Russia continuously evaluates Ramishvili writes further about a close and long-term fisheries cooperation between Russia and Norway. Fishermen from both countries both need and benefit from a collaboration, he believes. – Whether we want it or not – we are united via the Barents Sea and the large fish stocks that are there. These populations need sustainable management and good cooperation. Norway has so far been the only country in Europe with an exception for Russian fishing vessels. – If the cooperation cannot continue, then fishing for stocks, which are currently jointly managed by Norway and Russia, cannot be considered rational, responsible or sustainable. It could put all fishing in the north at risk. The ambassador concludes by saying that they will assess the situation continuously. Only 10 percent is delivered elsewhere At the same time, the restrictions do not mean such a big difference for the fishing vessels in practical terms. Most of the Russian fish is already delivered at the three ports for which the government has granted exceptions. Figures from Norway’s Raw Fish Association show that around 90 percent of Russian fish delivered so far this year was delivered to the ports of Tromsø, Kirkenes and Båtsfjord. Norway will face Russia: – A rather unusual event in today’s situation
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The Russian ambassador is afraid that fisheries cooperation may become difficult – news Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
