New fishing regulations in Norway 2026 – Complete overview

Last updated: 2026-05-07

From 1 January 2026, tourist anglers must fish through registered tourist fishing businesses to be allowed to export their catch. The export quota is 15 kg per person, usable up to two times within 12 months. The trophy fish exemption has been removed. Catch reporting is mandatory for registered businesses. Boating fines have been increased from 1 January 2026.

Current Rules

Effective from 2026-01-01

Here are the rules for foreign tourist anglers in Norway as of 1 January 2026: 1. Registered tourist fishing business: Only fish caught through a business registered with the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries can be exported. 2. Export quota: 15 kg of fish or fish products per person (aged 12+), usable up to two times within 12 months. 3. Freshwater fish: Salmon, sea trout and char are not counted in the quota but follow their own rules. 4. Trophy exception: There is no separate trophy fish exemption. 5. Catch reporting: Registered tourist fishing businesses must report catch data to the Directorate of Fisheries on an ongoing basis. 6. Minimum sizes: Cod 44/55 cm north of 62°N (depending on distance from baseline), 40 cm south of 62°N. Halibut 84 cm. Haddock 40 cm north / 32 cm south of 62°N. Ling 60 cm. Saithe and pollack have no minimum size. Smaller fish must be released alive. 7. Boating rules: Higher fines from 1 January 2026 for speeding, missing boat licence and unregistered leisure boats. 8. Documentation: You must have written confirmation from the camp of your stay, catch and weight at departure.

Who does this apply to?

Foreign tourist anglers fishing in Norway from 1 January 2026, and fishing camps registered as tourist fishing businesses.

How to comply

1
Choose a registered tourist fishing business
To be allowed to export your catch in 2026, you must fish through a business registered with the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. Every camp on SafeCamp360 is registered. Verify the registration before booking.
2
Stay within minimum sizes and protected periods
Fish below the minimum size must be released alive. Skrei (spawning cod) has separate rules in specific areas. Check current minimum sizes and protected periods for the species and region.
3
Get your catch registered and documented
Registered tourist fishing businesses must report catches to the Directorate of Fisheries on an ongoing basis. Make sure you receive written confirmation of your catch, weight and stay before leaving the camp.
4
Stay within the export quota at departure
Max 15 kg of fish or fish products per person, up to two times per 12 months. Weigh and pack the fish accurately. Have the camp confirmation and weight documentation ready for customs inspection.
5
Follow stricter boat rules
From 1 January 2026, fines for speeding, missing boat licence and unregistered leisure boats have been increased. A boat licence is required for people born on or after 1 January 1980 who operate a boat with a motor above 25 hp or length above 8 m. Check the Norwegian Maritime Authority website for exact requirements before your trip.

Consequences of non-compliance

Exporting fish caught outside a registered business may lead to confiscation and fines at customs.

Exceeding the export quota can result in confiscation of all fish and fines. Repeat offences can carry stricter penalties.

Failure to report catches can cause a business to lose its registration, removing the right to export fish on behalf of guests.

Breaching minimum sizes can lead to fines and confiscation, particularly during the skrei season in Lofoten/Vesterålen.

Upcoming changes

From 2027-01-01

From 1 January 2027, the export quota is reduced from 15 kg to 10 kg per person.

From 2026-07-01

Expanded reporting requirements for registered tourist fishing businesses are expected to be phased in during 2026 and 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main changes in the 2026 fishing regulations?

The main changes are: only fish from registered tourist fishing businesses can be exported, the export quota is 15 kg per person (usable up to two times per 12 months), the trophy fish exemption has been removed, catch reporting is mandatory for businesses, and boating fines have been increased.

Do I still need a fishing licence for sea fishing in 2026?

No. Saltwater fishing with rod and handline is still free and open to everyone in Norway. A licence is only required for salmon, sea trout and freshwater fishing.

What counts as a registered tourist fishing business?

A business registered in the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries' register of tourist fishing businesses. Registration requires that the business reports catch data, that fishing takes place using the business's equipment or boats, and that guests have accommodation through the business.

How do I know my fishing camp is registered?

Ask the camp directly and request confirmation of their registration number. You can also check the register at the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. Every fishing camp listed on SafeCamp360 has been verified as registered.

What happens to the quota in 2027?

From 1 January 2027, the export quota drops to 10 kg per person, still usable up to two times per 12 months and only from registered businesses. 2026 is the last year with the 15 kg limit.

Do I need a boat licence to drive a boat in Norway?

A boat licence is required for people born on or after 1 January 1980 who operate a leisure boat with a motor above 25 hp or length above 8 m. A foreign boat licence is accepted if it covers equivalent requirements. Fines for driving without a valid licence have been increased from 1 January 2026. Check the Norwegian Maritime Authority website for exact requirements.

Source

Official sea angling overview, updated for 2026 rules. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Export quota mechanics, frequency limits, registration requirements. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Catch reporting requirements for registered businesses. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Minimum sizes for cod, halibut, saithe, haddock and ling. (accessed 2026-05-07)

Norwegian Customs (Tolletaten) — export quota at departure (DE). (accessed 2026-05-07)