Justiceface
Justiceface
Jan 14, 2026
Spitzbergen und jan mayen

Norway Regulates Russian-Flagged Vessels' Fishing in Jan Mayen Zone for 2026

The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has implemented new regulations governing the fishing activities of vessels flying the Russian flag in Norway's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the Jan Mayen fishing zone for the year 2026. These regulations, effective from January 14, 2026, to December 31, 2026, aim to manage fishery resources sustainably and ensure compliance with international agreements.

Key Provisions of the Regulation

  • General Prohibition: Russian-flagged vessels are generally prohibited from engaging in fishing and harvesting activities within Norway's EEZ and the Jan Mayen fishing zone between 12 and 200 nautical miles from the baselines.
  • Quota Allocations: Despite the general prohibition, specific quotas have been allocated to Russian-flagged vessels in Norway's EEZ north of 62°N, including:
    • 120,827 tons of cod
    • 47,000 tons of haddock
    • 7,875 tons of Greenland halibut
    • 14,452 tons of redfish (Sebastes mentella)
    • 2,200 tons of redfish (Sebastes norvegicus and Sebastes mentella) as bycatch
    • 12,100 tons of saithe, with up to 5,100 tons available for direct fishing
    • 5,000 tons of catfish (direct fishing and/or bycatch)
    • 68,448 tons of Norwegian spring-spawning herring, which can also be fished in the Jan Mayen fishing zone
    • 2,500 tons of other species as bycatch, applicable only to non-quota-regulated species and solely as bycatch during fishing for quota-regulated species
  • Blue Whiting Fishery: Russian-flagged vessels are permitted to fish 14,819 tons of blue whiting in designated areas within Norway's EEZ and the Jan Mayen fishing zone, as specified by defined coordinates.
  • Bycatch Regulations: Specific bycatch allowances are established for redfish, blue whiting, mackerel, and Norwegian spring-spawning herring during fishing for other species, with varying percentage limits for individual catches and landings.
  • Penalties: Violations of these regulations may result in penalties as outlined in the Act on Norway's Economic Zone.

Implications for Fisheries Management

These regulations reflect Norway's commitment to responsible fisheries management and adherence to international agreements. By setting specific quotas and restrictions, Norway aims to balance the interests of foreign fishing fleets with the need to preserve marine resources and maintain sustainable fishing practices in its waters.

Industry Response

Russian fishing operators are advised to familiarize themselves with the new regulations and ensure full compliance to avoid penalties. Cooperation between Norwegian authorities and foreign fishing entities is essential for the effective management and conservation of shared fishery resources.