EU Sanctions on Russian Trawlers and What It Means for Your Fish Supply

The European Union has issued fresh sanctions targeting two of Russia's largest seafood exporters, Norebo and Murman Seafood Company, amid allegations of espionage and sabotage involving civilian fishing vessels. The accusations — strongly denied by both companies — have raised eyebrows across the seafood industry, not least in the UK, where many whitefish imports are indirectly linked to Russia.

But behind the political headlines lies a more practical concern for Britain's fish and chip sector: a tightening cod supply that was already forecast before this latest development. So how much of this is about security — and how much is about seasonality and supply?

The Allegations: Serious but Still Unproven

According to the EU Council's press release on 20th May 2025, Norebo and Murman Seafood Company were added to the bloc's 17th sanctions package for their alleged roles in a Russian state-sponsored surveillance operation. Their vessels are said to have "repeatedly loitered near critical infrastructure," including subsea cables and NATO installations, in ways inconsistent with normal fishing activity.

A specific example cited was Murman's trawler Melkart-5, which was reportedly in the area of a Svalbard subsea cable shortly before it was damaged in early 2022. Norebo vessels, including the Taurus and Kapitan Sokolov, have also been tracked in proximity to sensitive Western infrastructure.

However, industry observers note that the cable in question lies in a well-trafficked fishing area, and its damage could have been accidental. Some of the cited incidents also date back over two years. These factors have led to suggestions that the timing of the sanctions may be politically motivated.

Norebo strongly denies the allegations and described the EU's claims as "false" and designed to "promote a political agenda." Murman Seafood Company has also rejected the accusations as baseless.

Adding to the complexity, one prominent Murmansk-based commentator likened Norebo to a matryoshka doll — a nesting structure of layered legal entities. This suggests that sanctioning Norebo may not automatically restrict all of its subsidiaries or affiliates, potentially complicating enforcement efforts.

Norway's Balancing Act — Security vs. Sustainability

While the EU has closed its ports to Russian fishing vessels, Norway continues to allow limited landings under tight surveillance, citing the importance of its longstanding bilateral fishery management agreements with Russia in the Barents Sea.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has stated that ports remain open but are "under significantly tighter control and surveillance." Meanwhile, Fisheries Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss argues that encouraging Russian trawlers to fish in Norwegian waters is better for maintaining cod stocks, as it protects immature fish still spawning in Russian zones.

But not all Norwegian officials agree. Chief of Police Ellen Katrine Hætta in Finnmark was direct:

"I think we should consider closing the ports. There are no reasons to keep them open. There are, of course, political considerations that should be made, but denying access should be considered."

Her comments reflect a growing national debate in Norway over how to reconcile fishery cooperation with escalating security concerns.

What the Sanctions Mean in Practice

The sanctions block EU companies from transacting with the two Russian firms and freeze their assets within EU jurisdictions. That includes stocks of fillets and H&G (headed and gutted) cod already sitting in European cold stores. According to market sources, any product not prepaid is now stuck in limbo.

H&G cod prices have risen by up to $300 per tonne since the EU's announcement, reflecting market fears over lost volume and scrambled sourcing.

A UK Supply Squeeze Was Already Coming

What's essential to understand is this: even without sanctions, the UK was heading into a period of cod scarcity.

With only limited landings from other Nations and no new quota allocations until 1st January for the Barents Sea, supplies are naturally limited. Russian-origin fish has already faced a 35% UK import tariff since 2022, and while much still arrives indirectly via the Dutch ports, volumes are down across the board. 

Gary Warner: "We're in a Strong Position — But Relationships Matter"

Gary Warner of Warners Fish Merchants Limited in Doncaster remains upbeat despite the political uncertainty.

"Let's be clear — this isn't purely a sanctions issue. The supply was always going to be tight through the summer, so businesses that planned ahead are in a stronger position," he says.

Gary points to long-term partnerships with Icelandic suppliers and other trusted sources as key to weathering the storm. "We've built excellent relationships. That gives us a buffer. Right now, having the product may matter more than price."

Could This Affect Prices in the UK?

Yes — but perhaps not dramatically. With EU buyers now cut off from sanctioned Russian stock, they may look to Iceland or Norway — the same suppliers British businesses rely on.

That could lead to increased competition and higher prices, particularly for non-Russian whitefish. The EU also uses a wider variety of species, such as redfish, pollock, and coley, which could lead to increased demand — and higher prices.

Final Thoughts: Sanctions or Not, Supply Was Always Tight

It's easy to get caught up in the headlines — accusations of spying, cables cut at sea, and economic retaliation. But for the UK fish and chip industry, the biggest takeaway is more grounded: whitefish supply was already tight, and good supplier relationships remain your best safeguard.