Fish industry wants ban on oil drilling

In a statement, the association argues that Norway will lose both jobs and international reputation if the oil and gas related activities outside Lofoten continues. Norway has banned oil drilling in the area, but has allowed for seismic studies of the local geology. A decision on whether to open the area for the oil industry will be taken by 2010. The oil industry has repeatedly called for the opening of the area for oil and gas exploration and drilling. With oil production shrinking rapidly in the North Sea, the Lofoten area is seen as one of the most perspective areas, able to compensate for the lower production. The fishermen meanwhile say that the oil industry’s seismic studies in the area have scared away fish from the area, reducing catch with 50 percent in periods.