About the statistics

1. Administrative information

1.1. Name

River catch of salmon, sea trout and migratory char

1.2. Subject group

10.05 - Fishing and fish farming

1.3. Frequency and timeliness

Annual. Figures are published in January the year after the fishing has taken place.

1.4. Regional level

Figures for each river and county.

1.5. Responsible division

430 - Division for Primary Industry Statistics

1.6. Legal authority

The Statistics Act §§2-1 and 3-2

1.7. Legal document(EU)

Not relevant.

1.8. International reporting

The Directorate of Nature Management (DN) forwards data to NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization).

2. Background and purpose

2.1. Purpose and history

The statistics cover a time series from 1876 and are vital elements in national and international monitoring and management work related to anadromous salmonoids.

2.2. Users and applications

Catch statistics are an important source of information for nature management, the media and various organizations and groups. Scientists use the statistics to evaluate changes in stocks and to estimate the socio-economic importance of salmon fishing.

Norway is also obligated to report annual catch statistics to NASCO (North Atlantic Salmon Conservation Organization).

3. Statistics production

3.1. Population

The statistics include catches of salmon, sea trout and migratory char taken by fishing rod in rivers. As from 2009 data on river catch and release are available.

 

3.2. Data sources

Catch reports from the individual fisherman.

3.3. Sampling

Not relevant.

3.4. Collection of data

Catch reports from the individual fisherman are collected by landowners, who send a summary catch report to the County Governor. The County Governor add up the figures for each river and send them to Statistics Norway. As from 2004 landowners and county governors may transfer data electronically by Internet.

3.5. Control and revision

Data is transferred to electronic format (Dynarev) and computerized controls are applied. If necessary, the county governors are contacted to assess the data.

3.6. Estimation

Not relevant.

3.7. Confidentiality

Not relevant.

4. Concepts, variables and classifications

4.1. Definitions of the main concepts and variables

Anadromous: Term referring to animals that regularly migrate from the ocean up the rivers to spawn.

Weight: The weight is stated in kilos live weight.

4.2. Standard classifications

Before 1993 salmon were broken down into two groups: salmon under 3 kilos and salmon 3 kilos or more. Since 1993 salmon are divided into the following groups: under 3 kilos, between 3 and 6.9 kilos and 7 kilos and over.

5. Sources of error and uncertainty

5.1. Measurement and processing errors

Missing or delayed catch reports from fishermen and landowners can be a problem for the river catch statistics. Statistics are also lacking from some small river systems where fishing is poorly organized. Consequently, the statistics are not totally complete.

In 2009 data on river catch and release are collected for the first time, and the quality of the data may be uncertain.

5.2 Non-response errors

See 5.1.

5.3. Sampling errors

Not relevant.

5.4. Other sources of error

Not relevant.

6. Comparability and coherence

6.1. Comparability over time and space

The collection of data was reorganized in 1993. Previously, fishery boards collected data and sent reports from each salmon district and river to Statistics Norway. In 1993, the county governors started submitting reports.

6.2. Coherence with other statistics

Figures on sea catches of salmon and sea trout are presented on the Internet.

7. Availability

7.1. Publications and other links

Figures are published in  Today's Statistics and in StatBank.

7.2. Microdata

Statistics Norway stores the data files. Register data and catch data are in Oracle tables. Final data files are stored on UNIX.


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