Norsk

How to fish in Norwegian waters

Read the guidelines for fisheries activities by foreign-flagged fishing fessels in Norwegian waters.

These guidelines outline the regulatory requirements for foreign fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters, including authorisation, vessel monitoring, and electronic reporting. While these guidelines provide essential information, they are not exhaustive. Vessel operators are strongly advised to review the latest legal provisions to ensure full compliance with Norwegian fisheries regulations.

Definitions of Fishing Vessels and Fishing Activities

For the purposes of these guidelines, the term fishing vessel means any vessel conducting or equipped for commercial exploitation of wild living marine resources, including fish processing vessels, vessels engaged in transhipments of fishery products, and vessels supporting fishing related activities such as supply and refuelling.

For the purposes of these guidelines, the term fishing activity means all harvesting, fishing or other exploitation of wild living marine resources, including other activities related to harvesting, fishing or exploitation of wild living marine resources, such as joint fishing operations, fish processing operations, the transhipment or landing of fisheries resources or products thereof and any other commercial activity in preparation for, or related to, fishing; including inter alia, packaging, transporting.

Authorisation to Operate in Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone

Foreign fishing vessels must obtain authorisation from the Directorate of Fisheries in Norway before conducting any fishing activities within the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The flag State must submit an application on behalf of the vessel.

Authorisation is required for all fishing activities.

Applications must be sent to: postmottak@fiskeridir.no

Relevant Regulations

Foreign fishing vessels are not permitted to conduct fishing activities within Norwegian territorial waters, except for the territorial waters surrounding Svalbard.

For further details, please refer to The Marine Resources Act (Chapter 4 a) (lovdata.no) (Norwegian only)

Vessel Monitoring System (VMS)

Foreign fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters are required to use a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and transmit position data to the Directorate of Fisheries in Norway via their flag State at least once per hour.

This requirement applies to:

  • Fishing vessels of 24 meters and above flying the flag of Russia, the Faroe Islands, or Greenland.
  • Fishing vessels of 12 meters and above flying the flag of any EU member state or the United Kingdom.
  • Fishing vessels of any size flying the flag of Iceland.
  • Fishing vessels of any size flying the flag of any other country.

Relevant Regulations: VMS Requirements (lovdata.no) (Norwegian only)

Electronic Reporting System (ERS) and Fishing Logbooks

Foreign fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters must report their catch and activity data continuously using an Electronic Reporting System (ERS), also referred to as an electronic fishing logbook.

If an Electronic Reporting System is not used, vessels must in addition to fax or e-mail maintain a physical fishing logbook where catch and activity data are recorded.

Relevant Regulations:

Fisheries Protection Zones and Special Regulations

Foreign fishing vessels operating in specific Norwegian waters must comply with additional regulations. These include:

Reporting for Inspection and Control

Foreign fishing vessels operating in Norwegian waters are subject to inspection and control measures to ensure compliance with national and international fisheries regulations. These measures include mandatory reporting for control at sea before exiting Norwegian waters.

Control at Sea (CON)

Any foreign fishing vessel that has conducted certain fishing activities within Norwegian waters and intends to exit must report for control at predetermined areas. These designated control zones are established under Norwegian law and following agreements between neighbouring states. The Norwegian Coast Guard receives the reports and conducts inspections when deemed necessary.

Vessels must ensure timely and accurate reporting before leaving Norwegian waters. Failure to comply with reporting requirements may result in enforcement actions by Norwegian authorities.

Relevant Regulations for Reporting for Control at Sea (CON):

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