Norway’s leading fishing organisations are asking the government to rethink new rules that reserve a large share of the snow crab quota for live landings in 2026. They warn that the policy could reduce value, strain landing capacity, and disproportionately affect parts of the fleet.
The criticism follows a decision by the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries to set aside 20 per cent of the total snow crab quota for live delivery in 2026. That is double the share set aside in 2025. The regulation was adopted on 19 December and takes effect from 1 January 2026.
Both Fiskebåt, which represents the ocean-going fishing fleet, and Norges Fiskarlag, the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association, say the change comes despite clear warnings from the industry and this year’s experience.
Fiskebåt seeks a meeting with minister
Fiskebåt has requested an urgent meeting with the ministry’s political leadership to discuss the consequences of the new regulation. The organisation says it is “strongly critical” of setting aside a separate live quota within what it describes as very modest overall quota limits.
Based on 2025 landings, Fiskebåt estimates that far more than 20 per cent of the quota will be landed live. According to its calculations, as much as half of the total quota could be delivered live without a dedicated scheme.
Fiskebåt also warns that forcing freezer vessels to deliver live crab undermines both vessel groups. It points to limited capacity at onshore facilities, lower value creation, reduced quality, higher emissions, and the risk that parts of the quota may go unfished. The organisation adds that pioneers in the snow crab fishery are particularly affected by the rule.
Fishermen’s Association asks for review
Norges Fiskarlag has sent a formal letter to the ministry asking for an immediate review of the live delivery quota. The association says it is “unfortunate” that such a large share of the quota is reserved for live landings, especially after the 2026 fleet quota was cut relative to 2025.
The organisation stresses that many vessels are built and equipped for onboard processing and freezing. A higher share of mandatory live delivery weakens their operating basis and profitability. Fiskarlag leaders also point out that landings of live crab increased sharply in 2025, even without a higher quota set aside for that purpose.
Pelagisk Forening warns of bottlenecks
Pelagisk Forening has also asked the ministry to reconsider the decision. In a letter sent after the regulation was adopted, the organisation notes that 10 or 11 vessels can only deliver live snow crab and are already well suited to that market.
Based on the current fleet structure, Pelagisk Forening estimates that around 35 per cent of the total landed volume in 2026 will be delivered live even without a fixed quota share. It argues that vessels should be free to choose whether to provide frozen or live crab, depending on equipment and market conditions.
The group also points to serious problems at landing facilities along the Finnmark coast in 2025, with queues and limited capacity despite delivery agreements. Forcing more vessels into live delivery could worsen these bottlenecks and harm quality, it says.
The ministry has not publicly responded to the requests for meetings and reviews. For now, the 20 per cent live delivery quota for snow crab in 2026 remains in force.