In recent years, reduced fishing quotas have created major challenges for several fisheries-dependent municipalities in Nordland. Lower landings affect the entire value chain — from the fishing fleet and processing facilities to employment, settlement patterns, and local services in coastal communities.

Commissioned by Nordland County Council, SALT and Menon Economics are conducting a feasibility study in the municipalities of Værøy, Røst, Øksnes, Flakstad, and Moskenes. The aim of the project is to identify concrete development opportunities and contribute to a solid knowledge base for future business development and economic transition in these municipalities.

The project combines professional analysis with broad local involvement. First, analyses are carried out on topics including fisheries activity, industrial structure, employment, demographics, and the municipalities’ vulnerability to changes in fishing quotas. Representatives from local businesses, municipalities, and communities are then invited to participate in workshops to discuss challenges, local strengths, and possible development pathways.

Through these workshops, ideas and priorities for future business development in each municipality are developed. The results are compiled into dedicated opportunity maps that identify concrete development pathways, necessary conditions, and relevant policy instruments for further work.

The project is intended not only to provide analyses and recommendations, but also to strengthen local mobilization, collaboration, and shared motivation for transition in fisheries-dependent communities. The experiences gained through this work will form the basis for a working model that can also be applied in other coastal municipalities in Nordland.