1989 marks the beginning of a new era in fishery politics, when many Sea Sami fishers lost their right to fish. In response to overfishing, the authorities introduced individual quotas, which led to larger and more resourceful powers buying the quotas - pushing out small, local fishers and centralizing power away from coastal and fjord communities. 

The quota system has benefited capital interests, and for young fishermen in Sea Sami areas, the barrier to entry has become almost impossible. 

In 2023, the Truth and Reconciliation commission released its report, which pointed to several serious examples of Sea Sami fishers being forced ashore. The report recommended wiping of the dust of the Coastal Fisheries Commission's 2008 report, “The Right to Fish in the Sea Outside Finnmark,” and called for its proposals to be followed up. 

Among other things, the commission proposed enshrining the Sea Sami’s right to fish in the sea outside Finnmark into law - a right based on historical usage, international law, and justice. But what has actually happened since then? 

It is about time for a debate: 

Has the Coastal Fisheries Commission’s historic work been shelved? Or is there still hope for Sea Sami fishers? 

This panel debate is a collaboration with the Sea Sami organization, Bivdu.