Government Scheme to Increase Catches of Cod

The Directorate of Fisheries has now established procedures for participation in the scheme.

The goal is to increase the overall supply of fresh fish in the autumn to maintain activity in the fishing industry along the coast.

The arrangement was introduced as part of the Government's fresh fish strategy, according to Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen,

To participate in the scheme vessels must register with the Directorate by Monday 27 August.

From Monday the 3 September 2012, the conventional coastal vessels over 21 meters will have up to 30 per cent by-catch of cod at landing, provided that all catch is delivered fresh.

Bycatch is calculated from the total catch in the period from Monday at 00.00 to Sunday 23.59.

Vessels that have quota left will be charged for the part of the cod catch in excess of 30 per cent on a weekly basis.

On a weekly basis the proportion of cod cannot exceed 50 per cent on landing unless the excess quantity can be charged to the vessel's own quota.

The failure of the latter conditions will result in confiscation of the cod catch.

Cod Catch charged to the vessel's own quota is not included in the calculation of bycatch.

The scheme is equivalent to-catch arrangement for vessels under 21 meters.