The fishing industry in Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands is relatively limited due to their remote Arctic locations and sparse populations, but these waters are rich in marine life, supporting important fisheries primarily managed by Norway. The top fish catches in this region include Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus), and capelin (Mallotus villosus), along with other cold-water species such as Greenland halibut and redfish. Historically, the waters around Svalbard have been fished since the 17th century, first by whalers and later by commercial fishing fleets seeking cod and other valuable species. Today, fishing activities are strictly regulated under Norwegian law and international agreements to ensure sustainability and protect the fragile Arctic ecosystem, with quotas and seasonal restrictions in place. The industry remains small compared to mainland Norway, but it plays a role in scientific research and supports limited local economic activity, particularly around the settlements of Longyearbyen and on Jan Mayen.
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Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.