Fisheries management in the Barents Sea

Abstract

The fisheries in the Barents Sea are of very high importance to the region. Most of the fish stocks are shared by Norway and Russia and joint management decisions are taken by The Joint Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Cormmission. The delegations comprise representatives of the fishery administration and the fishing industry and biologists. The present management decision process in Norway and in the Commission is described and some explanations why the process has not been further developed are offered. Although the Commission has a long history with substantial progress in relations and co-operation, the management is still characterised by short-term decision-rnaking. Biological advice is an important part of the decision process, whereas economic or socio-economic advice has not been requested or, if existing, has been largely ignored. Possible reasons for this are discussed. A joint symposium on management strategies this year could be a first step towards a management regime with a longer perspective. This should give better opportunities for other scientific advice than biological to be used in the management.