[ Translated from https://www.banett.no ]

Norway stops salmon fishing in parts of the country.
The Norwegian Environment Agency is stopping salmon fishing in 33 rivers and in the sea from the Swedish border in the south up to and including Trøndelag due to reports of few salmon so far this year.
- Now there is a risk of serious damage to the salmon stocks, and we therefore believe that we must take some measures, says director Ellen Hambro of the Norwegian Environment Agency to NRK.
Salmon fishing closes at midnight on Sunday, and is closed indefinitely.
- It is with a heavy heart that we stop salmon fishing. We know that summer salmon fishing is an important tradition and a great joy for many, but now every salmon simply counts, says Hambro.
The Norwegian Environment Agency has obtained the necessary background information, and only stops fishing in the rivers where there is a critical need.
However, the rivers are kept open in Nordland, Troms and Finnmark. Must ensure that the stock is carried forward
Hambro says it is the Environment Agency's responsibility to ensure that there are enough salmon fry for next year, so that the stock can be continued.
- It is crucial not to risk a long-term failure in the acceptance of salmon, she says.
Influence from salmon farming and climate change are the biggest threats to the Atlantic salmon, according to the Norwegian Environment Agency.
- We support the Environment Agency's assessment, says Paal Mugaas in Norske Lakseelver. Economic consequences
He says the situation is so dramatic that it is right to stop salmon fishing, despite the fact that many of Norske Lakseelver's members will lose their income.
- We feel for all parties, and also for all those who work in the wild salmon industry, as guides, cooks, helpers and so on. This will have major, negative consequences for the economy around the salmon rivers, write Norwegian Salmon Rivers and the Norwegian Hunters and Fishermen's Association in a press release.
If there is new information that indicates that the situation in the closed rivers is better than it appears so far, it may also be appropriate to open fishing again, states the Norwegian Environment Agency.