Russians listing agenda for discussion with Norwegian fishermen

The Union of Fishermen of the North supported by leaders of Murmansk Trawl Fleet and Murmansk Union of Fishing Co-ops has approached Secretary General of Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Jorn Krog about organizing a meeting of Russian and Norwegian fishermen on 20-25 April 2007 in Kirkenes, Norway.

The Union suggests that the meeting should gather leaders of associations, fishermen's unions, company leaders, captains of vessels staying in Kirkenes harbor. The meeting is generally aimed at better alignment of Russia's and Norway's fishery industries.

The list of problems proposed for discussion includes:

• unification of regulations for Norwegian and Russian fishermen;
• the notion of accidental catch, bycatch, etc.;
• possibilities for harmonization of control of seafood quality in Norway and Russia;
• safety of navigation in Norway and requirements to Russia's fishing and transport fleet calling at Norwegian ports;
• organization of anchorage of Russian vessels in Norwegian ports;
• management of recreational fishery in Norway; Russia's possibilities to lease equipment, fish factories, etc. in Norway;
• transshipment of Russian catches meant for the Russian market to Norwegian motor trucks or transport vessels without a technical sale of the goods to Norges Rafisklag;
• cases of violation of fishery regulations by Norwegian and Russian vessels in 2006;
• quota distribution system in Norway, possibilities for quota sale, exchange and boat charter to cover the quotas, etc.;
• requirements of Norwegian inspectors to the system of measurement of fish hold and other onboard rooms for fish storage; etc.

The Union also suggests that the sides should conduct other meetings to discuss more issues of mutual interest.