Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-515/ This work maps out the pay systems used in the fisheries' sectors of Denmark, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Norway. Based on pay information, the evolution of pay and the distribution of resource rents among participating groups are analysed. The main findings suggest that Nordic commercial fishers are well paid compared to other occupations. As more efficient fisheries management regimes are introduced fishers remaining in the sector have been able to substantially increase their salaries. Likewise, as fisheries management have evolved so has the rents captured by fishers, vessel owners, quota owners and the public. Calculations show that the introduction of ITQ like management systems have contributed substantially to societal welfare across the Nordic countries.

Fishers are often perceived to be poor, and low income levels are used to justify subsidies and other types of direct and indirect income support to maintain coastal communities. In this study we investigate fishers’ income levels in four Nordic countries; Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden for different types of fishers and vessels and in comparison to alternative occupations. The most important result is that fishers in these countries are doing relatively well, and only in Sweden is the fishers’ average income level below the average national income. Within the fleets, there are substantial differences. Owners of coastal vessels tend to have the lowest income, and also lower than crews. Owners as well as crews on larger vessels tend to do much better and in the largest fishing nations, Iceland and Norway, very well.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2022-568/ The occurrence of abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) in aquatic environments contributes both to environmental and socioeconomic impacts. In nature, discarded fishing gear contributes to pollution by macro- and microplastics and harmful chemicals as well as to the degradation of habitats. This study compiles information from the Nordic countries on the quantity and composition of lost fishing gear, originating mainly from sport- and recreational fishing activities. The study also considers the occurrence of harmful chemicals associated with the lost fishing gear and the potential impact of these chemicals on the aquatic environment. Suggestions on how to prevent further losses and mitigate negative impact of lost fishing gear are also provided.

Nordic fisheries at a crossroad explores how Nordic small-scale fisheries can develop to promote high value creation and product specialization. By looking at recent developments among small-scale but land-based food producers we suggest specialization and dedication as the main development strategies. The central notion is to break away from the price-competitive globalised fish markets and develop new products or distribution models. To succeed in this, there is a need for substantive and coordinated efforts to bridge the gap between conventional logics and the new development logics, between supply and demand. The vision should be to develop viable and composite markets for high quality and specialty fish products through dedication and specialization. Markets that go beyond the local and reach supermarkets and consumers on a national and international scale.

Available online: https://pub.norden.org/temanord2023-518/ The Nordic countries all have large nature areas and clean waters attracting tourists from all over the world. Many visitors are attracted by fishing related activities, e.g. recreational fishing opportunities or coastal villages with a genuine fishing atmosphere provided by commercial fisheries. The role of fisheries for tourism is analysed in a study financed by the Nordic Council of Ministers. The study highlights that different tourists value different attributes. Some tourists want pristine nature and high recreational catches, while others favour developed services and a local commercial fishing culture. The Nordic tourist destinations could be expected to benefit from focusing on attributes where they are competitive such as pristine nature, closeness to major travel hubs, or a local harbour with traditional fishing vessels.