Barents Sea cod quota rises for first time in six years

The joint Norwegian-Russian cod quota in the Barents Sea will increase next year for the first time in six years, a change expected to benefit Faroese factory trawlers, broadcaster KVF reports.

The countries have agreed on a 2027 quota of 325,000 tonnes, 14 per cent above this year’s joint quota, which is the lowest since 1991. The agreement was reached in Istanbul, Turkey, after negotiations between Norwegian and Russian delegations.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) recommended a 2027 catch of 312,667 tonnes, 16 per cent higher than its advice for this year. The agreed quota is slightly above that recommendation.

Relations between Norway and Russia have been difficult in recent years because of the war in Ukraine. Norway imposed sanctions on Russian fishing companies Norebo and Murman Seafood last summer. The Istanbul meeting was the first time the countries had negotiated quota-sharing face to face since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

The Faroe Islands receive a share of the quotas allocated to both Norway and Russia. Hanus Hansen, chairman of the Faroese Shipowners Association and head of JFK, which also fishes in the Barents Sea, said the increase would be welcome for Faroese factory trawlers.