Cod, herring and saithe dominate in small-scale fishing

Small-scale fishing accounts for about 10 percent of the catch in the Norwegian fishery, and 18 percent of the value. Species such as cod, herring and saithe are fished the most.

In a new report, researchers at the Institute of Marine Research have examined how much Norwegian small-scale fishing contributes in terms of catch and value, which species are fished, which vessels and gear are used, and fuel consumption.

Small-scale fishing is defined as all fishing vessels under 15 meters and which fish within 12 nautical miles from the coast. This also includes recreational fishing.

"This is the first time such an overview of small-scale fishing in Norway has been made. This is an important resource, which brings short-distance food to the population all year round", says researcher Kjell Nedreaas in a press release. 

In small-scale fishing, nets are the most widely used gear. The species most fished for are cod, herring, saithe, haddock, mackerel and various crustaceans including shrimp. 93.4 percent of the catch is from stocks that are considered sustainable.

Cod dominates in small-scale fishing with about 6 per cent of the total Norwegian fish and shellfish catch, and about 30 per cent of the Norwegian cod catch.

The researchers have also included an analysis of food safety and how small-scale coastal fishing in particular can be useful in Norway in times of crisis. It will soon be published in a separate article, it says in the message.