"Aquaculture 2024 is three days packed with exciting presentations and the latest results from all fields of Norwegian aquaculture research," says co-organizer Anders Karlsson-Drangsholt, senior advisor at the Research Council of Norway.
Photo: Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (FHF).
The sustainability of Norway's aquaculture industry is under the spotlight this week as experts convene in Tromsø for the biennial conference Aquaculture 2024.
The conference, which runs from October 22 to 24, is organized by the Research Council of Norway and the Norwegian Seafood Research Fund (FHF), and will feature presentations from 140 research projects focused on knowledge-based solutions for the future of aquaculture.
This year's conference theme is "Knowledge for sustainable aquaculture". Key issues on the agenda include high fish mortality rates, disease management, and barriers to industry growth, with contributions from all fields of Norwegian aquaculture research.
"This year, we are focusing on how knowledge can support three pillars for Norwegian aquaculture in the future: knowledge for trust, knowledge for sustainability, and knowledge for utility," said Anders Karlsson-Drangsholt, senior advisor at the Research Council of Norway, in a press release.
"It is essential that the knowledge emerging from research projects becomes known and applied. Aquaculture 2024 is a key piece in making that happen and a fantastic meeting place for everyone interested in Norwegian aquaculture research," he added.
"The need for research is greater than ever," agreed Øyvind Hilmarsen, head of research at FHF. "The challenges are complex and difficult to solve without solid knowledge and innovative approaches. The need for research and development is therefore greater than ever, making it crucial for the industry to maintain constructive cooperation with research communities, authorities, and the government."
During the three-day event, senior industry figures, including Norwegian Fisheries Director Frank Bakke-Jensen and former MOWI CEO Alf-Helge Aarskog, will share insights on advancing sustainability in the sector. Bård Skjelstad, head of the aquaculture supervision department at the Norwegian Food Safety Authority, and Joakim Hauge from Bellona Environmental Foundation are other prominent speakers to feature on the agenda.
Tromsø, location of the Aquaculture 2024 conference, October 22-24.
The decision to hold Aquaculture 2024 in Tromsø highlights the increasing importance of aquaculture to Northern Norway, the organizers say.
Hilmarsen noted that municipalities in the region have embraced varying approaches to aquaculture development, with significant investment in both land-based and offshore farming, supported by Norway's Aquaculture Fund.
A key panel discussion at the event will explore the political and logistical challenges of allocating space for aquaculture, focusing on the balance between environmental, economic, and social considerations.
Another critical issue to be addressed is the lack of investment in energy infrastructure in northern Norway, which has stalled growth in the aquaculture sector, the organizers say.
"This is the biggest obstacle to reaching climate goals, and the authorities are not taking the necessary steps to build more infrastructure," Hilmarsen said.
The conference is being livestreamed and can be accessed via the FHF website.