08/01/08 - Changes in bag-net-fishing in Norway from the 2008 season

We are delighted to be able to announce that there are going to be major changes in bag-net-fishing in Norway from the start of the 2008 season. Fisheries on the so-called mixed stocks along the Norwegian coast will be stopped which will allow 25,000 to 30,000 more salmon to reach their spawning rivers.

In the fjords, an even higher number of salmon, 75,000 to 120,000 will benefit as bag-netting in these areas will be delayed till 1 or 10 July which will give the bigger fish, that tend to run early in the season, a much better chance of reaching the rivers. These clear and simple measures will create a major impact on the fishing opportunities on Norwegian rivers in years to come.

The major changes proposed by the Directorate of Nature are:

- No bag-net-fishing at all in a number of fjords, specifically the Sognefjord which should directly enhance the fishing on the Naeroy river which runs into this fjord

- No bag-net-fishing in the inner part of the Trondheim fjord - which will help the Verdal and Stjørdal rivers

- A delay of 30 to 40 days to the start of bag-net fishing in coastal and fjord areas in most places in Norway - which will particularly and positively affect the rivers in the Arctic and Central Norway regions, including the Lakselv, Alta, Namsen, Verdal, Stjørdal, Gaula, Orkla and Surna rivers.

- Reduced number of bag-net-fishing days each week in different parts of Norway - affecting particularly rivers in Eastern Norway and the Arctic regions.

Another welcoming aspect of the new regime on Norwegian rivers is the introduction of stricter regulations with regards to bag limits and seasonal quotas. Most rivers will introduce this and in practical terms markedly reduce the 'killed' catches and increase the number of released fish.

In summary, the coming seasons on Norwegian rivers look promising - particularly due to a major reduction in the number of netted salmon along the coast and in the fjords.

For more information regarding salmon fishing in Norway please contact Charlie White or Sarah Chamberlain.