"This could become a new industrial adventure at sea," said Norwegian Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss.
Photo: NFD / David Berg.
Norway is moving ahead with the development of offshore aquaculture, with the news this week that the Norwegian government has decided to open three designated sea areas for development of the sector, following several years of preparation and consultation.
The move was described by Norwegian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss as “a new important milestone”, who described the decision as "a clear signal to the industry that we intend to invest in offshore aquaculture in the years to come."
"The decision marks a new milestone, and I am pleased to be able to give stakeholders a clear message about the opportunities we are now facilitating in our marine areas,” Sivertsen Næss said in an official statement.
“This could become a new industrial adventure at sea, but the development will take place in a controlled and gradual manner with consideration for both the environment and other industries,” the minister added.
The areas identified are Norskerenna South, excluding parts that overlap with defence and environmental zones; Frøyabanken North; and Trænabanken, excluding the northern section overlapping with the Coastal Zone Lofoten. According to the ministry, these areas were chosen following extensive mapping, consultation and impact assessments.
The details of how the areas will be allocated are still to be finalised. According to the government, these will be set out in a Royal Decree, along with requirements and regulations for future operators.
The decision follows years of preparatory work. In 2019, the Directorate of Fisheries and the Institute of Marine Research identified 27 potential sites for offshore aquaculture. After several rounds of consultation, three of these were recommended for further study in 2023. Independent assessments by DNV in 2024 then informed the government’s conclusion.
This assessment received backing in January this year from the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries, which confirmed it would be in favour of offshore aquaculture development in all three zones, but stressed that adequate technical measures will need to be put in place to prevent fish escapes and thus possible impacts on wild salmon populations.
The Directorate's backing came despite warnings from the Norwegian Institute of Marine Research that it is "too early" for the development of large-scale offshore aquaculture, due to the lack of knowledge about potential environmental impacts.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries said it is now working on the practical framework for allocation. The government's proposals are currently open to feedback via a public consultation, available until 17 September.