Norway announces new snow crab fishing permit regulations

“I want to stimulate more activity on land and see if resource allocation can contribute to this. We need to balance this with the profitability of the ships, but if this approach proves beneficial, we may consider increasing the allocation in the future,” Næss added.

Information about new conditions of participation

In 2023, a consultation was held that proposed limiting participation in the snow crab fishery. Almost all respondents supported this restriction. Therefore, the Ministry has decided to limit participation from January 1, 2025, requiring activity in two of the three qualifying years (2020, 2021, 2022 by May 16). Exemptions are also provided for those who have made significant investments, subject to strict conditions.

All affected vessel owners will be notified of the revocation and new conditions of their snow crab permits. The new conditions of participation will be detailed in the licensing regulations, which will enter into force immediately and will enable the consideration of new applications for permits.

Response from the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association

The Fishermen’s Association believes that when closing the snow crab fishery, consideration should be given to both vessels that have been participating in the fishery for several years and have contributed to the development of the fishery, as well as shipping companies that have recently started operations and have made investments to participate.

The Norwegian Fishermen’s Association (Fiskarlaget) has been actively involved in the consultation process. At its meeting on June 13, 2024, the National Board of the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association reviewed the decisions of the Ministry.

The association stressed the importance of including both long-standing participants who have contributed to the development of the fishery and newer companies that have invested in joining the fishery. They stressed that the criteria for exemptions should be objective to ensure predictability in the allocation of permits.

Pursuant to Art. 6-2 of the licensing regulations, exceptions may be applied in the following cases:

– If the vessel’s owner received a commercial permit for new construction or extensive modifications adapted to snow crab fishing before May 16, 2022.

– If significant, irreversible investments have been made in adapting existing vessels to fish for snow crabs.

The Fishermen’s Association insists that detailed and clear criteria are needed to ensure fair treatment and suggests that vessels with a catch of more than 10 tonnes in one of the eligible years should be favorably considered for exemptions.

Source: press release