Fisheries
The EEA Agreement and fisheries
Despite the fact that the EEA Agreement does not cover fisheries, it contains various provisions that affect the Icelandic fisheries sector and Icelandic fisheries interests either directly or indirectly. During the negotiation of the EEA Agreement, special attention was given to trade in fisheries products resulting in an agreement that stipulates concessions in tariffs for the majority of Iceland’s most important fisheries products, although there are important exceptions from this. Provisions on subsidies in the fisheries sector were also negotiated, as well as provisions prohibiting trade disturbing market arrangements. In addition, mutual access for fishing vessels to ports was ensured.
Annex I to the EEA Agreement covers veterinary and phytosanitary matters. Iceland accepted in 1999 to comply with the rules of Annex I regarding fisheries products and incorporated it into its legislation Thus, Iceland has the same standing as EU member states in this respect when marketing fisheries products within the EEA area. On these grounds, Icelandic authorities are responsible for ensuring that Icelandic fisheries products and products imported through Iceland from third countries fulfil the relevant obligations set out in EU legislation.
These issues are the responsibility of the Ministry of Fisheries and its specialised agencies as appropriate, the Directorate of Fisheries and The Icelandic Fisheries Laboratories. Icelandic representatives are invited to take part in meetings at Commission level in the field of food safety with the possibility to take part in the proceedings and make proposals, albeit without voting rights. The Fisheries Counsellor in the Icelandic mission to the European Union is a liaison between the Icelandic Government and the EU institutions in these fields and follows their day to day progress. The Fisheries Counsellor has the same functions with respect to the EFTA secretariat and ESA.
The EU is by far the largest market for Icelandic fisheries products, as over 70% of our fisheries products exports goes to that market. It is therefore of great importance to ensure access to that market and follow developments related to it.
In addition, the Ministry of Fisheries follows developments in the EU regarding fisheries management, including the common fisheries policy, as well as environmental and ocean policy in general. These issues can be directly related to Icelandic interests, especially in relation to shared fish stocks, international agreements or arrangements regarding their utilisation and sustainable utilisation and protection of the oceans and its resources.
The Fisheries Counsellor is:
Tel. +32 (0) 2 238 50 11
Fax: +32 (0) 2230 69 38
