Norway's pelagic fishing sector ended 2024 with just below NOK12 billion (US$1.2 billion) in revenues, resulting in the highest ever revenue figures achieved by the sector, according to Kristian Sandtorv, Chairman of Norwegian pelagic fishing association Pelagisk Forening.
Sandtorv said during his speech at the association's recently held annual meeting that herring and mackerel sales were major contributors and that mackerel continues to be a highly preferred species among export markets.
"At the same time, there is a negative population development for sandeels and Norway pout, which we must take very seriously," warned Sandtorv. "We must do the same when it comes to the lack of capelin fishing."
Sandeels and Norway pouts constitute an important food source for whitefish and haddock, of which there are currently record populations in the North Sea, and Sandtorv said this has resulted in what he calls "increased predation pressure."
"In 2025, there is a record high number of white-tailed and haddock advice, while the advice for Norway pout and sandeel is zero," he said. "Is this good management? Why have we managed away sought-after species in favour of fish that are hardly caught?"
Sandtorv also made reference to the Norwegian Government's campaign to limit snow crab catch participation, a move which he termed a "disaster."
"The purpose behind the closure has disappeared," said Sandtorv. "The closure started too late and the process has been too slow. It is obvious that not enough interdisciplinary resources have been set."
Sandtorv that the result is, "failure at several levels."
He also used his speech to comment on the proposed budget cuts for the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research (IMR).
"I am concerned that budget cuts could have serious consequences for our fishermen's future. Fewer cruises and less research will result in less knowledge about the ocean at a time when we need more knowledge than ever.
"Inadequate data can lead to greater uncertainty in the stock calculations, which will in turn lead to greater safety margins in the quota advice."
Sandtorv said that the IMR plays a crucial role in monitoring and understanding the marine ecosystems in the ocean, but admits that he questions, "whether the institute really delivers the necessary insight and the necessary measures for safeguarding fisheries."
"I think we would have a much stronger institute, with more accurate research, if scientists and fishermen cooperate much more closely than we do today."