finance
Norway Maintains Fisheries Agreement With Russia in Barents Sea
European officials have expressed concerns that Norway's continued cooperation with Russia on managing cod stocks in the Barents Sea could pose security risks. The 1975 pact allows joint scientific research, fishing industry coordination and coast guard operations in an area that is also used for mapping and monitoring activities.
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European officials are concerned that Norway's ongoing fisheries cooperation with Russia in the Barents Sea may increase security risks across the continent. The Barents Sea lies between Norway and Russia in the Arctic and contains the world's largest cod stock.
It has also become a site for Russian mapping and disruption activities targeting European critical infrastructure. The two countries manage the fisheries under a formal 1975 pact that scientists consider essential to prevent overfishing. Much of the cod stock grows in waters under Russian jurisdiction before migrating to Norwegian zones to spawn.
The arrangement has proved lucrative for both nations. Cod and other seafood landed in Norwegian ports generated roughly $2bn last year according to a Norwegian seafood sales organisation. Russia earned about $666mn in exports from the Barents Sea last year according to the Norwegian Seafood Federation.
He said the issue had been raised with Oslo at every opportunity. "We are aware that Russia is involved in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities, but also espionage, mapping of critical infrastructure and sabotage activities," he said.
The EU is updating its Arctic strategy to address hybrid threats and the protection of critical infrastructure such as undersea cables. Diplomats described the fisheries issue as rarely discussed openly at senior levels because of Europe's reliance on Norway for energy.
"It is a very, very sensitive topic," said one northern European diplomat. " Norwegian officials said Russia's access to Norwegian ports and waters allows authorities greater control over Moscow's activities.
