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THE Norwegian fishing industry is facing a very bright future, according to one of its leaders.
Robert Hansen, chairman of the Norwegian Fishermen's Organisation, told the annual meeting of the country's Fishermen's Sales Organisation in Tromso recently that while many European countries faced financial challenges that could affect future sales, there were big opportunities in countries with fast growth such as China and Brazil.
He also had a message for Norwegian fishermen, suggesting that they should not oppose every change being proposed by the authorities. But he also came out with a strong defence of the present system in Norway. Few countries had a more efficient management system than Norway, Mr Hansen argued.
He asked: "If not, then why are delegations from the European Commission, the EU and other countries visiting Norway to learn from our fishing model and our fish sales organisation system?"
He went on: "I am not saying that (Norwegian) fishermen and sales organisations should put their foot down on all possible changes that might occur. Times also change. Structures, logistics and products are changing and no-one knows what the future will bring."
But the fish industry structures in Norway remained efficient, he argued. The industry still had a goal of decentralised detection and fishing structures in Norway. A well organised commodity market for fish, an orderly market and a level playing field was something all political parties should be able to achieve, he added. Mr Hansen said he would continue to raise the concerns of small and medium companies on issues over the Raw Fisheries Act.
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