Boats approved for tourist fishing

The Ministry of Fisheries has issued special fishing licences to four companies and individuals that run a total of nine fishing boats used for tourist fishing.

These nine boats are based in Porkeri, Rituvík, Argir and Vestmanna.

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Article 40.3 in the law on marine resources management states that the Minister of Fisheries is authorised to issue special fishing licences in connection with tourism.

Although this law has been in force for more than a year and despite tourist fishing taking place in the Faroes for years, no such licences have been issued until now.

Temporary licences

According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the new tourist fishing licences are valid from 14 June until 30 September this year.

All fishing must be carried out using either fishing rods, fishing lines or jigging reels, and existing provisions regarding protected areas must be observed.

The licences also state that it is illegal to throw the catch overboard. The catch must not be sold or handed over to a third party for a profit, and each tourist can fish a maximum of 20 kilos.

Announcement underway

Licence holders are required to inform Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre Vørn of the catch for each expedition, divided into species of fish caught. 

This information, which must also include the number of tourists on each trip, must be sent to Vørn “at least once a month”, according to the Ministry of Fisheries.

Only companies and individuals based and registered in the Faroes in accordance with articles 6 and 7 of the law on marine resources management can be issued a tourist fishing licence.

The ministry is currently preparing a public announcement on tourist fishing.

Translated by prosa.fo