Norwegian fishermen are granted permission to halt fishing activities within national water territories, as decided by the Fisheries Authority.

Russia has expressed its discontent towards Norway following the latter's decision to include two Russian fishing companies, "Murmansifud" and "Norebo," in the EU sanctions list. The move has resulted in Russian companies losing access to Norwegian ports and the right to fish in Norway's exclusive economic zone.

The Russian Foreign Ministry handed a note of protest to the Norwegian Chargé d'affaires in Russia, Rune Resaland, at the end of July 2021. This was echoed by "Murmansifud," which categorically protested against this decision. The company emphasized that their activities are not related to any sanctionable actions.

"Murmansifud" is primarily focused on producing food from fish. The Russian Fisheries agency, which oversees the country's fishing industry, considers the EU's decision to include "Murmansifud" in its sanctions list as a threat to "the further rational exploitation of marine biological resources in the North Atlantic." The agency also considers the actions against Russian legal entities unprecedented.

In response, Moscow has threatened to close its exclusive economic zone to Norwegian fishing vessels if Norway does not review its position within a month. Fishing and quota allocation in the open waters of the Barents and Norwegian seas will be conducted based on Russian national interests, according to Ilya Shestakov, head of Russian Fisheries.

This dispute is not a new development. The Russian-Norwegian mixed fisheries commission, which ensures the sustainable use of water biological resources in the Barents and Norwegian seas, has been operating since 1976. However, Norway's actions against "Norebo" and "Murmansifud" in July 2025 have escalated the situation.

The EU included the companies "Murmansifud" and "Norebo" in its sanctions list on May 20, 2021. This was the 17th package of EU sanctions. The Russian Fisheries agency has stated that this decision will have significant implications for the fishing industry in the region.

As the standoff continues, both countries are urged to find a resolution that respects international law and promotes sustainable fishing practices in the Barents and Norwegian seas. The future of the Russian-Norwegian fisheries commission, as well as the livelihoods of fishermen on both sides, hang in the balance.