Fishermen Blame Shocks for Poor Catches

Fishermen in Norway say shock waves from oil exploration are to blame for reduced catches.

Aftenposten reported Friday that in 2006 and 2007, 800 tons of Atlantic pollock were caught off the Vesteralen and Lofoten Islands. By comparison, this year just 83 tons of the fish have been caught.

“This is serious for the local line fishermen. Many get half their income from pollock. This year catches have been so poor that there’s been little point,” said Bjornar Nicolaisen of the local fishing union.

“The shock waves from oil surveys, is not the only reason for smaller catches, but they are the most important,” Nicolaisen said.

The fishermen’s union is asking that its members file claims for lost earnings. The claims would be sent to the government for consideration, the newspaper said.