In support of coastal fishermen and against monopoly

It is indefensible that a few families and large corporations have monopolized access to the nation's fishing grounds – common resources that are publicly owned. These are riches that belong to the public. Icelanders have for centuries sought their livelihood from the sea, and the right to do so is not only social or economic – but rather an indigenous right to survive in their natural environment.The boards of the Socialist Party of Iceland (Sósíalistaflokkur Íslands) express their unequivocal support for the struggle of coastal fishermen who are now facing an untimely closure of fishing due to the aggression and arrogance of the large fishing industry. Their arrogance comes at the expense of communities, small boat fishermen, and the public at large. Such injustice reflects a deep flaw in the quota system and the dominant power of capital in Icelandic society. parliament (Alþingi) and the government have repeatedly shown that they are willing to resort to special laws and emergency measures when the interests of rich and well-connected parties are at stake – as the examples of whaling clearly show. If all coastal fishing were owned by one wealthy individual, it would probably have already been secured by emergency laws. But when it is the public that fishes — then it is closed.Coastal fishing is a symbol of economic freedom and revitalizes communities that have suffered in the capitalist storm of the current fisheries management system. The countryside needs coastal fishing to maintain a vibrant society and culture.We demand that:

• The coastal fishing system be secured in a fair and predictable manner.
• The nation's common ownership of the fishing resource be respected in practice - not circumvented for the benefit of a few.
• Community considerations, equality, and democratic prioritization guide policy-making in fisheries matters.

We condemn parliamentfor protecting an unjust and misguided system where the nation's wealth is monopolized by a few entities. It is long overdue to overhaul it from the ground up. The fishing grounds belong to all of us – not to a small ruling class that profits from keeping the public out.We propose the following ways to abolish the current system and restore justice in the fishing industry:

• Abolition of transferable quotas: Fishing rights will not be transferable or the property of individuals or companies – they will be a community asset under democratic public oversight.

• Re-establish municipal fishing companies and cooperatives: By granting fishing rights to communities, cooperatives, and municipal fishing companies, it can be ensured that the profits from the utilization of resources flow to the people and the community itself, not to a few private entities. This strengthens communities, increases sustainability, and reduces centralized capital monopoly.

• Strengthening communities and small boat fishing: Priority should be given to allocations to non-privately owned fishing companies and independent fishermen who utilize catches sustainably and support the country's communities.

• Revocation of illegal allocation of fishing permits: Fishing permits obtained through misconduct, bribery, and political corruption shall be investigated and revoked.

The Socialist Party has from the outset advocated for a radical overhaul of the quota system and nationalization of resources. We stand with coastal fishermen and all those who demand justice in the utilization of resources – for a future where society rules, not capital.Resolution of the boards of the Socialist Party of Iceland July 18, 2025