Digitalization in the Norwegian Fishing Industry - Effects on the Reporting Frequency of Fixed Fishing Gear

It has been observed that reporting the location of fixed fishing gear is an efficient way to prevent gear conflicts and inform the authorities about where the gear has been set in case of loss. In Norway, reporting has been a mandatory process for many years, but it was only after the process was digitalized that reporting became efficient. Since 2015, there has been a yearly increase of 30% in reporting, and the growth curve does not show any signs of flattening. The reason for this increase in reporting frequency is thought to be that the process has become easier, and fishers have experienced the benefits of reporting firsthand.