Norwegian Fisheries Trip

The ten regional finalists of the 2014 Independent Takeaway Fish and Chip Shop of the Year Award joined the Norwegian Seafood Council in Ålesund, for an educational journey into the heart of Norway, a world leader in sustainable fisheries management.

The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) are a key sponsor of theNational Fish & Chip Awards. As the NSC’s guests, the regional finalists enjoyed a once-in-a-lifetime experience, seeing first-hand the journey their fish takes from catch to fryer on a three-day exploration of Norway’s fishing industry.

During the visit the finalists celebrated winning their regional title with a trip on the magnificent Atlantic, a long-line vessel, with an exclusive tour of the boat from the ship’s captain. With special government permission to fish Norway’s coastal waters, the group watched Norwegian fishermen expertly catch wild cod and haddock from the cold, clear waters of the Barents Sea, home to the world’s largest growing cod stock. The attendees learned how this fish is then processed on board the vessel’s filleting factory, gaining a greater understanding of how fresh fish becomes premium frozen-at-sea Norwegian fillets within four hours or less.

The group gained a deeper insight into the Norwegian fishing industry through presentations from trade experts, from organisations such as Surofi, Fiskebåt and the Institute of Marine Research, as well as an after-dark private tour ofthe Atlantic Park aquarium. Delicious meals were provided each evening to showcase Norwegian seafood at its best, prepared on the second evening by the Klippfiskakademiet culinary training academy. This experience left the finalists with a huge breadth of information about sustainable fishing, as well as some wonderful memories, to take back to their shops in the UK.

Jack-Robert Møller, UK Director of the NSC, commented: ‘The fantastic group of finalists really are key influencers in their industry and so showing them Norway’s culture and sustainable fisheries management is an important opportunity for us, and one that we thoroughly appreciate. We hope that we have given them an experience that they will treasure for years to come, and that they will share their passion with their customers. We met some great people on the trip and we wish them all the best of luck for the final.