(fis.com) Russian and Norwegian experts have determined that for the third consecutive year no illegal overfishing of cod and haddock has taken place in the Barents Sea.
Scientists last week then set the cod quota in the Barents Sea for 2013 to almost 940,000 tonnes -- a substantial increase of more than 25 per cent against 2012’s quota of 740,000 tonnes, which was recommended by the International Council for Exploration of the Sea (ICES).
“The results of our efforts to combat illegal fishing are inspirational and have contributed to the strong stock situation and the flourishing fisheries of cod and haddock we are experiencing in the Barents Sea and the Norwegian Sea at the moment,” said Lisbeth Berg-Hansen, Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs.
The record-high quota comes as a result of both the total stock and spawning stock of cod in the Barents Sea, which is now at its highest level ever since measurements began immediately after World War II.
As Norway and Russia manage the population of the North-East Arctic cod, the final quotas for the 2013 fishery will be set by the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission next October.
“The demand for sustainable and safe seafood is increasing worldwide. A steady increase in the Norwegian cod quotas is very gratifying and is the best example of the fact that Norwegian seafood is a safe choice for environmentally conscious consumers,” said Norway Seafood Council (NSC) Marketing Director Merete Kristiansen.
The analysis of illegal overfishing was conducted by a joint Norwegian-Russian expert group appointed by the Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission. The analysis includes a comparison at vessel level and calculations of the total cod and haddock catch in the Barents and Norwegian Seas for 2011.
“Our joint work with Russia has been an important factor for the growth of cod and haddock stocks, and it confirms that joint concerted efforts to counteract illegal fishing are effective," added Berg-Hansen.