North-Atlantic Fisheries Ministers Conference – March 11th, 2021 Effects of COVID-19 on the industry
Mynd: iStockOn March 11, North-Atlantic Fisheries Ministers met virtually to discuss the Effects of the COVID -19 Pandemic on the Fisheries Sector and Seafood markets.
Joining Mr. Kristján Þór Júlíusson, Icelandic Minister of Fisheries were the The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Mr. Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Mr. Jacob Vestergaard, Minister of Fisheries Faroe Islands, Mr. Odd-Emil Ingebrigtsen, Minister of Fisheries and Seafood, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries Norway and Mr. Petr Savchuk, Deputy Head of the Russian Federal Agency for Fisheries
The Ministers and Commissioner discussed the various effects of the pandemic on seafood markets and challenges regarding disruptions in distribution chains, health and safety measures, monitoring and control and international cooperation. They also discussed the post- pandemic outlook and the way forward, outlining both challenges and opportunities.
The importance of maintaining a close and open dialogue on fisheries in the North Atlantic region was also stressed, in the context of sustained and integrated international engagement aimed at securing the sustainable management of marine resources and ecosystems.
It was agreed to send a joint invitation to the Minister of Fisheries of the United Kingdom to join the North Atlantic Fisheries Ministers Conference, from the next meeting.
Mr. Kristjan Thor Juliusson announced the intention of Iceland to host the next North Atlantic Fisheries Minister Conference in Iceland in 2022, as he expressed his hope that participants would be able to travel to Iceland for the occasion.
Mr. Kristján Thor Juliusson, Icelandic Minister of Fisheries: Statement of Iceland