EU, Norway resolve long-standing Svalbard cod quota dispute  

NORWAY – The European Union (EU) and Norway have resolved their long-running dispute over cod quotas in the Svalbard archipelago. 

This agreement, announced on November 11, 2024, marks a significant step towards reinforcing cooperation on shared fishing rights in the region.

The dispute traces back to the United Kingdom’s exit from the EU, which prompted Norway to revise the EU’s Northeast Arctic cod quota.

“Since the 1980s, Norway has allocated a Northeast Arctic cod quota to the EU in the Svalbard Fisheries Protection Zone. When the UK left the EU, the union’s fishing quota was reduced, and the EU has objected to the size of its quota,” writes the government about the background of the agreement.

This reduction strained relations, impacting fishing communities across several EU member states. 

Under the new deal, Norway will allocate the EU 9,217 metric tons of cod for 2025—corresponding to 2.8274% of the total allowable catch (TAC). This quota will apply to both the Svalbard protected zone and international waters.

The agreement emerged from a series of High-Level Dialogue meetings initiated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

The dialogue, co-chaired by European Green Deal Executive Vice President Maroš Šefčovič and Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, provided a platform for finding mutually beneficial solutions.

Šefčovič praised the outcome, saying, “By injecting constructive dynamism into our talks, we have managed to address difficult issues in the fisheries sector. Challenges remain, but they will be tackled step by step.”

The agreement also includes provisions for collaboration on redfish quotas in the Norwegian Sea. Norway and the EU committed to present these proposals at the upcoming North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) meeting. 

This expanded cooperation underscores their shared intent to balance fisheries management’s economic, environmental, and social aspects.

Additionally, revised compensation quotas for Norwegian seafood exports to the EU, including herring, shrimp, and salmon, will come into effect from January 1, 2025. 

The volumes will account for the late opening of duty-free trade, offering extended utilisation periods through 2030.

The agreement solidifies Norway’s sovereignty over the Svalbard fishing zone while maintaining its robust domestic quotas. 

For the EU, the deal ensures stability for its fishing fleet, protecting livelihoods in member states dependent on Northeast Arctic cod.  

Meanwhile, Christian Chramer, CEO of the Norwegian Seafood Council, highlighted the broader context of Norway’s booming seafood exports.

October 2024 saw record-breaking exports worth NOK 18.5 billion (US$1.7 billion), driven by unprecedented mackerel and salmon sales. This economic success reinforces the importance of sustainable and cooperative fisheries management.

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