The EU-Norway Fisheries Agreement 2017: What You Need to Know

In 2017, the European Union (EU) and Norway reached a new agreement on fisheries management in the North Sea. This agreement, which came into effect on January 1, 2018, is crucial for both parties as it governs the access of EU vessels to Norwegian waters and vice versa. Here`s what you need to know about the EU-Norway Fisheries Agreement 2017.

The Background

The EU and Norway have a long history of cooperating on fisheries management, dating back to the 1980s. The North Sea is one of the most important fishing grounds in the world, providing a significant source of income for both EU and Norwegian fishermen. However, overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices have led to declining fish stocks, threatening the livelihoods of those who rely on the fishing industry.

The previous agreement, which was signed in 2014, expired at the end of 2017. Negotiations for a new agreement began in early 2017, and after several rounds of talks, a new deal was finally reached in November 2017.

The Key Points

The EU-Norway Fisheries Agreement 2017 covers several key areas, including:

– Quota Sharing: The agreement sets out how much of each fish stock can be caught by both EU and Norwegian vessels. The quotas are based on scientific advice and aim to ensure the sustainable management of fish stocks.

– Access: EU vessels are granted access to Norwegian waters, and Norwegian vessels are granted access to certain EU waters. However, there are restrictions on where and when vessels can fish.

– Control and Enforcement: The agreement includes measures to ensure that both parties adhere to the agreed quotas and fishing rules. For example, vessels will be monitored by satellite, and inspections will be carried out to check for compliance.

– Transferable Quotas: The agreement allows for the transfer of quotas between EU and Norwegian vessels, which can help to ensure that quotas are used efficiently.

The Benefits

The EU-Norway Fisheries Agreement 2017 has several benefits for both parties. For the EU, it provides access to valuable fishing grounds, which is essential for the EU fishing industry. It also ensures that EU vessels are subject to the same fishing rules as Norwegian vessels, promoting a level playing field.

For Norway, the agreement provides access to EU waters, which is important for Norwegian fishermen. It also ensures that fish stocks are managed sustainably, which is crucial for the long-term viability of the fishing industry.

The Significance

The EU-Norway Fisheries Agreement 2017 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in managing shared fisheries resources. Secondly, it shows that sustainable management of fish stocks is possible through science-based decision making. Finally, it highlights the importance of the fishing industry for both the EU and Norway, and the need to ensure its long-term sustainability.

In conclusion, the EU-Norway Fisheries Agreement 2017 is a significant step forward in the management of fisheries resources in the North Sea. By ensuring sustainable fishing practices and promoting international cooperation, the agreement provides a solid framework for the future of the fishing industry in the region.