Elin Sabbasen demands investigation into Tanavassdraget fishery management in Norway

Elin Sabbasen, an experienced board member, is demanding an investigation into the management of the Tanavassdraget fishery. She argues that a previous embezzlement conviction against Dan Vidar Rasmus should have been disclosed before his nomination as a board member to Tanavassdraget Fisheries (TF). Although Rasmus resigned from the board in February, he was re-elected in April, with many voters unaware of his criminal past. Sabbasen believes that Rasmus’s long-term rental of a property to TF raises issues of trust.

The Ministry of Climate and Environment announced it would evaluate the local management model in the Tanavassdraget area, which is known for its salmon population. Established in 2011, TF is responsible for creating fishing regulations, selling fishing licenses, and preventing illegal fishing to protect the endangered Tanalaksen.

Rasmus, who has served on the board since 2019 and is also an employee with oversight responsibilities, has rented a building to TF at a cost of 85,000 NOK per year over four years. Sabbasen finds this arrangement problematic, stating that board members should not have financial interests related to their roles. Rasmus maintains that the lease agreement is non-problematic and was consensually accepted by TF’s administration.

In June, TF’s former director, Hans-Erik Varsi, suggested terminating the lease due to the building’s poor condition, but his recommendation was not adopted. He later resigned, feeling mistreated by board members.

As the demands for transparency increase, Norway’s Ministry plans to launch the evaluation process on October 21, with Minister Tore O. Sandvik visiting Karasjok for insights.