The Icelandic Coast Guard says around 15 tuna-fishing vessels from Japan and South Korea are operating just south of Iceland’s exclusive economic zone.
The patrol vessel Þór has been monitoring the fleet in waters south of Iceland, both to observe activity and to ensure fishing vessels remain outside Icelandic jurisdiction while fishing.
About 15 Asian Tuna Vessels Are Fishing Just South of Iceland’s EEZ
- Around 15 Japanese and South Korean tuna vessels are operating just south of Iceland’s exclusive economic zone.
- The Coast Guard patrol vessel Þór has been monitoring the fishing fleet.
- Some of the vessels call at Icelandic ports for supplies even though their fishing takes place outside Icelandic waters.
Tuna fleets have worked these North Atlantic waters for decades
The Coast Guard says tuna vessels have fished in the area outside Icelandic jurisdiction for decades. The position of the fleet varies from year to year as fish distribution and conditions change.
Monitoring near the boundary allows the Coast Guard to check that fishing vessels remain outside Iceland’s exclusive economic zone while they are engaged in fishing. Some ships also call at Icelandic ports to take on supplies.
The sight is not entirely new. Iceland Review reported in 2021 that 20 to 30 Japanese tuna vessels were operating near Icelandic waters. Iceland’s own bluefin tuna quota has often gone largely unused because specialised vessels and freezing equipment are needed to make the fishery viable. Tuna landed by Icelandic vessels has nevertheless previously attracted strong interest on the Japanese market.
Source: Icelandic Coast Guard
Read more stories covering Icelandic society, politics, business, and culture at Iceland Review News.
