Faroese fisheries minister rejects calls to expand fishing days

The Faroese minister of foreign affairs and fisheries has rejected widespread calls to expand the number of fishing days allocated to vessels in area 5B, citing environmental assessments and international advice.

Bárður á Steig Nielsen said the government would not bow to pressure from boat owners seeking additional fishing days, despite vocal support from industry figures including Marita Rasmussen of the Faroese Marine Research Institute, Jens Pauli Petersen of Faroe Origin, and Durita í Grótinum of Faroe Islands Sustainable Fisheries.

“We in the Faroe Islands must speak with one voice,” the minister said. “There is no doubt that when it comes to our work, the outside world—including ICES—is listening.”

Durita í Grótinum argued that the minister should have engaged with the allocation plan for which he is responsible, rather than attempting to silence critics.

Kringvarp Føroya reported on the dispute in its evening news bulletin.