Faroe Islands extends fishing licence period to 10 years

The Faroese parliament has approved a government proposal to extend the maximum fishing licence duration to 10 years, following a final vote on amendments to the maritime fishing law, Kringvarp Føroya reports.

The decision came after the third reading of the bill, with 21 votes in favour and six against. A separate proposal to return the matter to committee failed, as did two opposition amendments—one from the Republic and Progress parties to remove the licence extension entirely (defeated 22–6), and another to delay changes affecting the Faroe Bank fishing zone (unanimously rejected).

Bárður á Steig Nielsen, minister for foreign affairs and fisheries, acknowledged a procedural error after supporting documents for the public consultation were not circulated. Opposition lawmaker Ben Arabo, chair of the parliamentary committee, criticised the process, calling for solutions rather than delays, while Høgni Hoydal of the Republic party cited public concern over the changes.

The approved amendments will now take effect pending formal government implementation.