Promoted article: Protecting the Northern Barents Sea – Should we stop fishing in the north Barents Sea?

Not the most efficient measure for protecting vulnerable areas 10 years of scientific monitoring of the Barents Sea indicates that the vulnerability among the benthic communities is not uniform across these areas. As a result Norwegian scientists take the view that the suggested blanket ban on fishing in the vast area of the Barents Sea is not the most efficient measure for protecting vulnerable areas.

The Norwegian management strategy is based on targeted protection In the Svalbard region of the Barents Sea, two thirds of survey stations were classified as having low vulnerability to bottom-trawling. Thus full protection of the area would encompass huge areas that don´t require protection. The Norwegian management strategy is based on targeted protection, supported by robust and objective science.

Norwegians treat fishing incredibly seriously After oil and gas, fishing is the next biggest part of Norway's economy, so the Norwegians treat fishing incredibly seriously. But, it goes far deeper than money. Fishing is part of the Norwegian way of life, they are committed to looking after the oceans for generations to come as generations before them have done. Not just managing stocks but maintaining the unspoiled and pristine seas - which they value as a huge factor in the high quality and taste of their prized seafood. To do this the Norwegians have an innovative system of traceability, regulation, inspection and quotas which is regarded as the best in the world, endorsed by the Marine Stewardship Council and the United Nations.