Fiskistofa

Fiskistofa, the Directorate of Fisheries of Iceland, is a government agency responsible for the regulation and management of Iceland's marine fisheries. It operates under the authority of the Icelandic government and serves as the primary administrative and enforcement body for fishing licenses, quotas, and related regulatory measures. The agency collects and maintains data on fish catches and fishing effort to support stock assessments and policy decisions.

Key functions include issuing fishing licenses and distributing catch quotas among vessels, registering fishing vessels and gear, monitoring reported landings, and enforcing compliance with fishing laws and safety standards. Fiskistofa conducts inspections at sea, in ports, and on land, and collaborates with other authorities to prevent illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing. The directorate also contributes to scientific data collection and statistical reporting and coordinates with research institutions to support stock assessments and ecosystem-based management.

Organization and governance: Fiskistofa is headed by a director who oversees a staff of inspectors, analysts, and support personnel. It operates in close coordination with the relevant ministry and with regional and international partners to implement national policies and international agreements governing fisheries, including participation in regional fisheries management organizations and bilateral arrangements with other states and the European Economic Area.

Impact: The directorate's work informs harvest limits, conservation measures, and industry regulation, aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability of Iceland's fish resources and the livelihoods dependent on them.