Norway to tighten rules for Russian fishing vessels

“We have closed all ports to Russian vessels, except for three ports that are partially open to Russian fishing vessels. Inspection activity is already high, but police and customs are now strengthening their controls, and we are imposing stricter requirements on Russian fishing vessels while they remain in port,” says Minister of Justice and Emergency Preparedness Emilie Enger Mehl (Sp).

Norway stands with allies and partners in response to Russia’s aggressive war against Ukraine. The government is constantly assessing the need for further measures.

Overview of new restrictions in Tromsø, Båtsfjord and Kirkenes:

• Following the invasion of Ukraine, Norway has imposed a series of sanctions against Russia. These include a comprehensive port ban. This means, among other things, that Russian vessels will not be granted access to ports on Norwegian mainland. Russian fishing vessels have been given a limited exemption from this ban and can dock at the ports of Tromsø, Båtsfjord and Kirkenes, among other things to unload fish, change crew and secure supplies.
• Russian fishing vessels currently have no restrictions on how long they can stay at the docks in the three ports that are partially open. The government has now decided that the time Russian fishing vessels can dock at the three ports will be limited to a maximum of five working days and a maximum of seven days, including weekends and holidays. At least three days must also have passed since the previous stopover in a port on Norwegian mainland.
• The government will also introduce clearer restrictions on the location of Russian fishing vessels in the three ports. Russian fishing vessels can only enter terminals or quays listed in the current version of the “Guidelines for ports and quays that can accept Russian fishing vessels.” This is binding thanks to the inclusion of the list of relevant terminals and quays in the legislation on sanctions against Ukraine.
• The government has also decided that police control activities will be strengthened in the three ports, with a particular focus on increased presence in Båtsfjord. Customs must cooperate even more closely with the Police and the Norwegian State Police, sharing information to a greater extent. The Norwegian Armed Forces must continue to monitor all maritime activities and share information with other agencies.
• As before, fishing vessels will be subject to all other sanctions unless explicit exceptions are granted.
• The changes will take effect as soon as possible.

General information on fisheries cooperation between Norway and Russia

Following Russia’s war against Ukraine, Europe has introduced historically harsh sanctions. Norway has agreed to EU sanctions against Russia, with some domestic adjustments. Among other things, Norwegian authorities have continued to cooperate with Russia on fisheries to protect sustainable management of fish stocks in the Barents Sea.

The reason for this exception is the Norwegian-Russian cooperation in fisheries. This cooperation is important for Norway, among other reasons, because it is a clear advantage for the cod stock if a significant part of the catch can take place in the Norwegian economic zone. Russian sea areas are largely breeding grounds for cod and other fish stocks. To ensure that fish stocks are renewed and maintained in time, fish must be given time to grow before they are caught.

Source: Press release