A 60-year-long collaboration on fishing in the Skagerrak between Sweden, Norway, and Denmark will come to an end on January 1, 2023. Norway has announced that it will cease the previous cross-border fishing between the countries, a decision that has left the Swedish government, the Swedish Sea and Water Authority, and the fishing industry puzzled.
The change means that Swedish and Danish fishing boats will have to report to Norwegian authorities every time they pass in and out of Norwegian waters, a process that can occur several times a day. This administrative complexity and increase in fuel usage has raised concerns about its impact on the environment and climate.
The decision is expected to particularly impact shrimp fishing as the new rules will require boats to stop, pick up all fishing gear, and report their catch to the Norwegian authorities before being allowed to enter Norwegian waters. Shrimp fishing accounts for around ten percent of the value within the Swedish fishing industry and is considered crucial for the industry’s sustainability.
Despite concerns raised by industry representatives and the Swedish government, Norway’s Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, Cecilie Myrseth, has stated that the decision is aimed at strengthening control and governance in the Norwegian economic zone in the Skagerrak.
In addition to the fishing restrictions, plans for two new wind farms in the Skagerrak have raised further concerns within the fishing industry. The industry fears that the wind farms could disrupt fishing activities and negatively impact food production.
While the Swedish government has acknowledged the concerns and emphasized the importance of fishing for food production, there is no clear solution in sight. The decision has sparked a debate around sustainable fisheries management and the need for common solutions between the EU and Norway to address the challenges in the Skagerrak.
As the fishing industry braces for significant changes, the future remains uncertain for all parties involved. The decision to end the decades-long cooperation has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the environment, the fishing industry, and food production in the region.