Russian redfish trawlers are no longer allowed entry into Icelandic ports

Minister of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Svandís Svavarsdóttir, has cancelled the derogation that has been in place allowing Russian trawlers to land and transship fish in Icelandic ports.

Under the Act on Fishing and Processing by Foreign Vessels in Iceland’s Exclusive Fishing Zone, foreign vessels are prohibited from entry into Icelandic ports and from receiving services if the vessel is fishing or processing catch from commercial fish stocks not subject to an international agreement signed by Iceland, as is the case for fishing for redfish in the Reykjanes Ridge area. There is a legal authorisation for a derogation from the prohibition from landing and receiving services for such fishing, which has been exercised since 1999 for Russian trawlers that fish for redfish. The exemption has been discussed and considered for revision numerous times but has now been cancelled.

The Russian authorities will be formally notified of this matter and the Icelandic Coast Guard will also send a notification through the international notification system.