About the Initiative
Launched in 2014, the Coastal Fisheries in the North-Atlantic initiative brings together stakeholders from across the region to explore cooperation and knowledge-transfer opportunities. The effort has been supported by NORA, AG-fisk, and the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation.
Conferences & Workshops
The initiative has organised a series of conferences and workshops since 2014, creating forums where fisheries professionals, researchers, and policymakers can share best practices and discuss shared challenges.
Knowledge Transfer
By connecting coastal communities and research institutions across the North Atlantic, the project fosters practical exchange of techniques, data, and management approaches tailored to small-scale and coastal fisheries.
Regional Cooperation
With backing from Nordic and Canadian partners, the initiative strengthens cross-border collaboration and helps align fisheries management strategies across different jurisdictions.
Supporting Partners
The Coastal Fisheries in the North-Atlantic initiative has been made possible through the support of the following organisations:
- NORA (Nordic Atlantic Cooperation)
- AG-fisk
- Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation
Related Projects
This initiative connects with other Matis-led efforts in fisheries monitoring and marine research.
- REM — Remote Electronic Monitoring — Ensuring compliance with fisheries management rules on gear, area closures, catch registration, and bycatch.
- MOBeDNA — A Nordic research network using environmental DNA for biodiversity monitoring in marine environments.
- EcoFishMan — An EU Seventh Framework Programme project (grant no. 265401) focused on ecosystem-based fisheries management.
The Coastal Fisheries in the North-Atlantic initiative reflects a deep commitment to sustainable management and cross-border cooperation among fishing communities. By bringing together stakeholders from Iceland, Greenland, Norway, Denmark, Canada, and beyond, the project creates a vital platform for sharing knowledge on responsible fishing practices, gear innovations, and effective regulatory approaches. Workshops and conferences organised under this banner allow professionals, researchers, and policymakers to examine common challenges such as bycatch reduction, electronic monitoring, and stock preservation. The initiative underscores how collaboration across nations can strengthen coastal livelihoods while ensuring that fisheries remain viable for future generations. Through ongoing dialogue and practical knowledge transfer, the network continues to build a more resilient and transparent sector.