Faroese fishing industry struggles to recruit as negative perceptions deter young workers

The Faroese fishing fleet continues to face severe crew shortages, with too few young Faroese choosing careers at sea, according to Jan Højgaard, chair of the Faroese Fishermen’s Association, speaking at a Nordic conference on the future of fishing held Monday in Tórshavn.

Højgaard warned that the lack of local labour has forced vessels to remain in port, unable to sail due to understaffing. He cited persistent negative perceptions of the industry as a key reason young people avoid fishing careers.

Leif Harald Hanssen, a Norwegian recruitment specialist for the country’s seafood sector, told the conference that highlighting positive experiences in fishing could help attract younger workers. The event, organised by the Faroese chairmanship of the Nordic Council’s fisheries cooperation, focused on maximising the value of marine resources for future Nordic societies.