Johannesen advocates for stronger antitrust regulations in fishing industry in Norway

Uni Holm Johannesen, a member of the government for the Social Democratic Party, argues that it is essential to strengthen antitrust regulations before requiring a usage obligation for pelagic fish.

Antitrust regulations prevent any company from holding a monopoly over a specific industry. Johannesen noted, “Currently, we are handing over the entire fishing industry to four large shipping companies.”

The Minister of Fisheries has once again declared a ruling that allocates over 17,000 tons of mackerel to the domestic fleet and shrimp vessels—referred to as support quotas—available for sale.

Since taking office, Dennis Holm, the Minister of Fisheries, has stated that mackerel quotas should not be granted as support to vessels, and there is consensus on this within the coalition government. However, an agreement has yet to be reached on how these support quotas should be phased out.

“There is no foundation for removing the exemption for usage obligation without changes, for example, in the tax law,” says Dennis Holm, the Minister of Fisheries.

The debate continues as the fishing industry grapples with the implications of these regulations and allocations, highlighting the tension between ensuring fair competition and supporting local fisheries.