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Sustainable Cod Ensured through Norwegian Management of Fisheries

Norway’s cod and haddock fishery is managed through what we call the “Norwegian model”. This entails a scientific approach to stock management, with quotas on catch and several institutions and the government working together to protect fish stocks. Read more about how it works, and the role of third-party sustainability certifications in the management.

This is the Norwegian Model for Sustainable Seafood and Fisheries

Norwegian seafood management consists of four parts that work together towards a balanced and sustainable seafood industry:

  • Research and development
  • Legislation
  • Regulation
  • Control

Norway’s commitment to sustainability in the seafood sector is firmly embedded in its policies and practices. The management of Norwegian seafood is structured around sustainability principles, balancing environmental, social, and governance dimensions.

Legislation and Laws that Regulate Norwegian Management of Cod and other Wildfish:

Organisations that Ensure Compliance and Sustainability:

In addition to this, the management of seafood and implementation of quotas are done in close cooperation with both the Norwegian government, scientists and experts from third-party institutions. This is because research-based knowledge and advice are critical for sustainable seafood management.

Quotas Ensure Sustainable Yield of Fish stocks

The “Norwegian model” is built on the scientific approach to the governance of our fisheries. One of the important parts of the management are the advised quotas on the wildfish stock.

The Institute of Marine Research (IMR) has presented scientific advice for the quotas of Northeast Arctic cod, Northeast Arctic haddock, Beaked redfish and Greenland halibut for 2025. The advice on fishing opportunities is conducted by the bilateral Norwegian-Russian science group for fisheries in the Barents Sea. The advice entails a substantial reduction in the quotas in 2025 for Norwegian cod.

The advice is given to ensure a sustainable yield from the Barents Sea stocks. The IMR has commented that the usual rule of a yearly adjustment by up to 20 percent can be superseded by a situation where the spawning biomass is below the precautionary limit of 460 000 tons.

The main reason for yet another quota reduction is the weak 2019 and 2020 generations of cod, that now need protection to ensure future recruitment.

The regulation of the Norwegian fisheries visualized as a cycle.

The Regulation and Quotas Throughout a Year

To further explain how the regulation of the Norwegian fisheries operates, it is helpful to visualize it as a cycle. At the start of the cycle, ICES provides quota advice that is submitted for quota negotiations with other states, which is given as input to a regulatory meeting.

The Directorate of Fisheries and the advice from the regulatory meeting is submitted to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, which adopts the regulatory regulations, which then leads to changes in the regulations.

Experience from the regulatory year, together with information from research cruises and catch statistics, is then used by ICES to prepare quota advice, which is then submitted for new quota negotiations.

Third-party Sustainability Certifications and Norwegian Cod

In addition to sustainability measures implemented through the Norwegian model, there are several types of sustainability certifications and organisations, some of which are relevant for sustainability in fisheries and aquaculture.

Among them, the MSC-certification (the Marine Stewardship Council) is perhaps the most well-known. Other relevant certifications for fisheries and aquaculture are GLOBAL G.A.P., Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP), Fairtrade, the IFS, The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Friends of the Sea, Pro Terra, ISO 14064 and ISO 14001.

Norwegian cod is MSC certified – specifically the Northeast Arctic species of cod and haddock. Local coastal cod, however, is classified as IPI, (Inseparable, Practically Inseparable) from the Northeast Arctic cod because it’s a protected species.     

Differences Between Cod Species

Unlike the migrating NEA cod (skrei), the coastal cod stock is a stationary cod. But as the two cod species swim in the same areas during the main fishing season in January until April, it is estimated that around 1 in 20 cod caught are coastal cod.

Only through DNA testing have Norwegian scientists found a way to distinguish between these two visually inseparable cod species, providing valuable data estimations on the bycatch of this cod stock. Because it is not possible to tell the cod apart without DNA testing, it has also not been possible to establish a separating system at landing.

What’s Being Done to Address the Coastal Cod Situation?

Based on available data on the coastal cod stock, a revised rebuilding plan for the species has been discussed and proposed. The Institute of Marine Research is reviewing models and data to evaluate harvesting strategies. There are also numerous regulatory measures in place in the fishery today to reduce the catches of coastal cod in favour of NEA cod. These include measures such as closed areas for certain gear types and mesh size regulations, among others. 

By following an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management, Norway works with collection of data on more than just our targeted fish stocks. Be it minor sub-stocks or effects on other parts of the ecosystem. Data concerning stocks and the wider ecosystem remains key for sustainable fishery practices.

The skrei fishery supports communities and livelihoods along the long, rugged coast of Northern Norway

Delivering Sustainable Skrei Cod and Supporting Communities

More than two thirds of Norwegian cod is caught closer than 12 nautical miles from the shore. And every year, for thousands of years, skrei cod in their millions have made the long journey from the depths of the Barents Sea to the coastal areas of the Lofoten archipelago.

The skrei fishery is one of the most important cod fisheries in the world, not only delivering sustainable cod of the highest quality to discerning customers all over the world but also supporting communities and livelihoods along the long, rugged coast of Northern Norway.

The vast majority of cod caught between January and April are caught by small boats, often with small crews onboard.  They represent local communities on the coast of Norway, where people are dependent on the fisheries. The continuation of the skrei fishery is therefore of utmost importance for both livelihoods all along the coast of Norway, as well as supplying food for consumers all over the world.

Norwegian Cod is Within the Limits of a Well-Managed Stock

This brings us to the wider perspective to consider, regarding all aspects of sustainable governance of an industry:

The environmental, the social and the governance, making up the ESG term, need careful assessment when trying to achieve sustainable governance in practice. This is what Norway strives to encapsulate in the management of its fisheries, underlining the longstanding commitment to managing its marine resources responsibly.

Therefore, it is safe to say that Norwegian cod sold and consumed is within the limits of a well-managed stock, and both can and should be enjoyed in good conscience.

Norway prioritises marine research and science-based resource management. These sustainability credentials stand regardless of third-party certifications. Private, third-party certifications do provide an important platform for buyers and consumers worldwide to lean on, when wanting clarity on their sustainable seafood options. However, it is also important to recognise that country and organisation credentials still stand, regardless.