For all the latest industry news, markets and jobs in aquaculture
Norway Fisheries and Seafood Minister Bjørnar Skjæran could be about to lose his job, according to reports from Oslo.
His replacement is tipped to be another senior Labour politician Cecilie Myrseth (below) , the national broadcaster NRK has said.
Cecilie Myrseth
Skjæran, a former land farmer, who has been in post since Labour and the Centre party formed as new government two years ago, is thought to be reluctant to go.
The prime minister Jonas Gahr Støre looks poised to carry out a major reshuffle to boost the government’s flagging unpopularity which has more to do with the rise in the cost of living rather than the salmon tax.
The coalition suffered a heavy defeat in last month’s municipal elections, suggesting a Conservative return to power in two years time.
But the current Conservative leader, Erna Solberg, has become embroiled in a political scandal involving her husband’s share dealings when she was prime minister.
The station TV-2.no also says sources say that Skjæran will lose his job in a move that has been described as by some senior Labour figures as “incomprehensible”.
Despite his backing for the salmon tax which may be down to party loyalty more than anything else, Skjæran has been seen as an effective minister and a supporter of aquaculture. He has backed moves to expand cod farming and offshore aquaculture, for example.
He has also worked to improve fishing relations and seafood export rules between Norway and the UK.
Cecilie Myrseth (38), who is tipped to replace him, is a psychologist by profession with, it would suggest, little experience about the seafood industry. But she is from the Troms region, a fish farming area. She was elected to parliament in 2017.
Click here to sign up
We at Fish Farmer Magazine endeavor to ensure that all our reports are fair and accurate and comply with the Editors’ Code of Practice set by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). We realise, however, that mistakes happen from time to time. If you think we have made a significant mistake and you wish to discuss this with us, please let us know as soon as possible by any of the three methods: emailing editor@fishfarmermagazine.com; telephoning the editor on 0131 551 7904; writing to the Editor at Fish Farmer Magazine, 496 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH5 2DL. We will attempt to resolve your issue in a timeous, reasonable and amicable manner. However, if you are unsatisfied with our response, you can contact IPSO, which will investigate the matter. You can either telephone IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or email inquiries@ipso.co.uk. IPSO is an independent body which deals with complaints from the public about the editorial content of newspapers and magazines. We will abide by the decision of IPSO.