Six shrimp trawler operators in Norway's Oslo Fjord have received offers of restructuring support under a temporary government subsidy scheme, following the completion of application reviews.
Administered by the Guarantee Fund for Fishermen, the initiative received 21 applications prior to the July 31 deadline, with six applicants meeting the qualifying criteria.
The scheme was established for owners of vessels under 11 metres that trawl for shrimp, aiming to reduce financial barriers to closing operations following the introduction of zero-fishing zones and other fisheries measures in the fjord.
Under the provisions of the grant, recipients who accept funding are prohibited from participating in trawl fishing for shrimp and crayfish during the operational period of the restricted areas.
If surplus funds remain following any appeals processing or declined grants, additional payments may be distributed to qualified recipients up to a maximum limit of NOK3.5 million ($370,000) per applicant.
Meanwhile, the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries is designing a separate subsidy scheme for vessels that operate with alternative gear in the Oslo Fjord.
"When the allocation for restructuring funds was increased, it enabled us to continue working on an additional scheme that could include more affected fishermen," stated Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Regulations governing the forthcoming scheme for other gear types will be ready soon, according to the ministry.
