Snow Crab Fishing Closure – NRK Troms and Finnmark
Snow Crab Fishery Adapts to Ensure Sustainability and Boost Live Delivery
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has announced significant changes to snow crab regulations, effective for the 2026 season, designed to promote sustainable harvesting and increase the availability of live snow crab for market.
In a move hailed by industry stakeholders, the Ministry has closed further participation in the snow crab fishery, limiting access to permitted vessels. This marks the first time catch limits will be regulated at the individual vessel level, according to Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Vessels holding a snow crab permit will receive a guaranteed quota of 351 tonnes. In addition to this base quota, an extra 82 tonnes will be allocated specifically for the delivery of live snow crab. This represents a strategic effort to support the growing demand for this premium product.
Perhaps the most impactful change is the increased provision for the live snow crab delivery scheme. The allocation for live deliveries will rise from 10% of the total quota in the current year to 20% in 2026. This doubling of the live delivery provision is expected to benefit both fishermen and consumers.
These regulations reflect a commitment to balancing economic prospect with long-term sustainability in the valuable snow crab fishery. The Ministry’s actions aim to ensure a healthy crab population for years to come while simultaneously supporting the livelihoods of those involved in the industry.