The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries (NFD) confirms that they have received inquiries about possible criticizable conditions at the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries. According to Fiskeribladet, the whistleblowing concerns lack of confidence in the fisheries director, leadership style, treatment of employees, and violations including job security and working environment laws. A whistleblowing report received by the ministry from employee representatives states: 'It is reported about lack of confidence in the fisheries director, leadership style, treatment of employees, violations including job security and working environment laws.
' Fiskeribladet writes that there is an ongoing whistleblowing case against fisheries director Frank Bakke-Jensen. The specific incidents or evidence that led to these allegations have not been disclosed. ' Bakke-Jensen says to Fiskeribladet that he has great respect for whistleblowers.
NFD has not wanted to comment on the content of the whistleblowing reports to Fiskeribladet. The ministry will not comment on the content of the whistleblowing reports they have received, writes the newspaper. What actions the ministry has taken in response to these reports remains unclear.
Bakke-Jensen has been fisheries director since autumn 2020, having previously served as defense minister in the Solberg government.