Areas southwest and north of Trna Deephave been closed to prevent the sale of halibut that may exceed the EU limit value for pollutants.
"On the basis of test results and recommendations from the specialist agency two areas were closed outside Nordland," said Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs Lisbeth Berg-Hansen.
Results from the Basic Survey conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition and Seafood Research (NIFES) in 2010 showed that the levels of dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in Greenland halibut in some smaller areas were higher than the prescribed limits. On the basis of the results was an area closed to halibut fishing in 2011.
Further studies carried out in 2011 and 2012 showed that the Greenland halibut, in some areas, still exceed the limits.
"It is forbidden to sell fish that exceed the EU limit values. Based on experience from last year, when one area was closed, and the recommendation from the professional body is the most appropriate for the areas closed to fishing."
Further testing will continue.
High Pollutant Levels Closes Halibut Fishery for Further Year
NORWAY - Two areas in the Greenland Halibut fishery have been closed due to to high levels of pollutants been recorded in fish from the area.
by Lucy Towers
