The Russian trawler Elektron was stopped by the Coast Guard on Saturday morning on suspicion of a number of serious violations of the fisheries regulations. The vessel was arrested and told to set course for Tromsø. It later changed course and has subsequently refused to follow the Coast Guard’s orders. There are still two Norwegian inspectors on board.

The situation is being dealt with by Land Command North Norway. This is a matter between the Norwegian authorities and the Russian fishing vessel. The Elektron’s licence to fish in areas under Norwegian jurisdiction has been revoked on previous occasions because of serious violations of the fisheries regulations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is being kept up to date on the situation. This is not a conflict between the Norwegian and the Russian authorities. On the contrary, there is close contact at diplomatic level between the two countries. There is nothing to indicate that the matter will have negative consequences for Norway’s good relations with Russia.

For more information on the matter, go to the Norwegian Defence website.

For background information see also Report no 30 to the Storting (2004-2005) Opportunities and Challenges in the North, Chapter 3.3 The Fisheries Protection Zone around Svalbard here.