Norway to postpone electronic catch reporting for smallest fishing vessels

The Norwegian government has announced a delay in its rollout of mandatory electronic catch reporting and vessel monitoring system (VMS) equipment for fishing boats under eight metres.

The new rules were due to come into effect for all registered vessels on 1 January 2026, but an exemption has now been granted for the smallest boats, Norway's Ministry of Trade and Fisheries has announced.

At the same time, the transition period of "soft enforcement" for vessels between 8 and 11 metres will be extended indefinitely. This means that while the rules formally apply to this group, authorities will continue to focus on guidance rather than penalties, the ministry indicated.

The decision follows concerns raised by fishermen and industry organisations, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss said, as she announced the changes.

"Many fishermen from the smallest fleet groups have highlighted that it is difficult to estimate correct catches, something that the Norwegian Fishermen's Association and the Coastal Fishermen's Association have also raised with me," Sivertsen Næss said, in a Norwegian language press release.

"I have therefore chosen to make an adjustment to take these inputs into account. I want to wait to introduce the requirement until there are good technological solutions that make it easier to report correct catches."

The ministry stated that while there is broad agreement on the importance of electronic reporting, the process will be phased in gradually. The Directorate of Fisheries retains the authority to require catch and position reporting from vessels under ten metres before 2026 if needed to ensure compliance with exemptions or special permits.

Electronic reporting has been mandatory for vessels over 15 metres since 2009, but expanding the requirement to smaller vessels was recommended by the Fisheries Control Committee in its 2019 report.

"Reporting is crucial for controlling quotas and compliance with other regulations. It is also very important for marine scientists' stock assessments, and for documenting important fishing areas in connection with municipal coastal zone planning," the Ministry said.