Norway mandates vessel tracking for all fishing boats

Starting April 1, 2027, all fishing vessels in Norway, including those under 8 meters, must install closed and encrypted Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS). This new requirement from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries aims to ensure vessels respect closed areas and adhere to individual quotas. Unlike the open Automatic Identification System (AIS) used for collision avoidance, VMS reports position, course, and speed directly to the Directorate of Fisheries.

Fisheries and Ocean Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss stated that the system is a vital tool for fishery management and control, while also increasing maritime safety by allowing authorities to locate vessels during accidents. To assist with the transition, fishermen can apply for support to purchase and install the required equipment. It is prohibited to turn off the VMS, even outside of fishing seasons.

Separately, the Norwegian Fishermen’s Association (Norges Fiskarlag) has requested that the Directorate of Fisheries open fjord lines to vessels over 15 meters for the 2027 spring-spawning herring fishery. The association noted significant herring stocks in areas such as Kvænangen, Reisafjorden, Altafjorden, and Sørøysundet, arguing that current regulations limit efficient and climate-optimal fishing.