Nor-Fishing 2010: Opening speech

Fishing and fisheries have been the most important livelihood along the coast of Norway. Mothers and spouses, often with large sibling groups, have many a time in storm and darkness waited and expected their loved ones home. Many fishermen have through the ages lost their lives at sea.

There have been tremendous developments in all areas of the fishing industry. Although, the number of fishermen and vessels has showed a steep decline, the vessels have today become more technically effective in an impressive way. It is not a matter of how much they are able to fish, but how much they are allowed to fish in order for the industry to maintain a sustainable future development for the generations to come.

The very first Scandinavian fishing exhibition was held here in Trondheim in 1908. As a curiosity, it could be mentioned that the exhibition lasted for 2 months. My grandfather King Haakon came over the mountains by train with his family, made the official opening and was present in Trondheim throughout 14 days. Today we like to travel with airplanes and we all seem to live a more hectic life.

At the end of 1950s the Norwegian Government and The Department of Fisheries worked eagerly to establish a trade fair for the fishing industry in Norway. After a tug of war concerning the election of the host city, my father King Olav opened the first official fishing exhibition in Bergen on 25th August 1960. Since then Trondheim has been the host city of Nor-Fishing.

Nor-Fishing has in 50 years been an important showcase for news within the industries. It is with great pleasure that I today, after 50 years of development in the fishing industry can declare the 23rd Nor-Fishing exhibition officially opened. I congratulate the organizer with the anniversary and at the same time wish all the exhibitors good luck with pleasant and mutually beneficial exhibition days in Trondheim.

Thank you!