"The government is committed to facilitating more research and business activity related to new marine resources," said Norwegian Fisheries and Oceans Minister Cecilie Myrseth.
The Norwegian government has announced changes to its aquaculture regulations for species other than salmon, trout, and rainbow trout, effective from February 2024.
The regulatory changes aim to encourage more research and business activities in new marine resources, according to a recent press release by the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries.
Key measures include removing restrictions on cultivating multiple species at the same location and clarifying the ban on cod farming in spawning areas.
"The government is committed to facilitating more research and business activity related to new marine resources. These changes are intended to simplify the administrative process and help make the cultivation of other species more profitable and competitive," said Minister of Fisheries and Ocean Affairs Cecilie Myrseth.
"Producers who cultivate multiple species together can utilize synergies between species, improve feed utilization, and minimize the environmental footprint. By removing the ban, we facilitate a more sustainable and efficient use of our marine resources. This will contribute to innovation and development in the sector and strengthen Norway's position as a leader in sustainable aquaculture," says Myrseth.
The government has decided to expand the scope of the regulation, so it now covers all aquatic organisms not explicitly exempted.
The change is meant to simplify the process for innovation within aquaculture by having applications for new species now go directly to the Directorate of Fisheries.
"We facilitate a smoother and more accessible process for operators. It is also a strategic measure to stimulate innovation and sustainable development in the sector while maintaining high standards for the environment and animal welfare," Myrseth said.
The Norwegian government has also introduced new regulations for the aquaculture of ascidians or sea squirts (called sekkdyr in Norwegian), requiring financial security for the establishment of such operations.
This move aligns ascidian aquaculture with existing requirements for other low-trophic species, including seaweed, kelp, and mussels, aiming to create a fairer and more predictable framework for industry participants, Myrseth said.
The government is also decentralizing the application process ascidian aquaculture by transferring responsibility from the Directorate of Fisheries to individual county municipalities.
"I am keen to bring decision-making closer to the communities affected. This measure helps to strengthen the role of the county municipalities in managing the local marine industry," said Myrseth, announcing the move.
Norway moves to protect wild cod spawning areas from potential impacts of cod farming.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
The regulatory update also imposes a formal ban on farming cod in spawning areas and spawning fields for wild cod - described as a "clarification" of already-established practice.
"By introducing the ban in the regulations, we ensure a clear and legally binding framework that protects important spawning areas from potential impacts of cod farming," Myrseth explained.
The regulation specifies that the ban applies to all areas that the Directorate of Fisheries and the Institute of Marine Research define as spawning fields and spawning areas for wild cod. The agencies continuously update their maps to provide information about spawning fields which is as accurate as possible.
However, while cod farming is restricted in these spawning areas, the regulation still maintains the possibility to apply for exemptions, the Ministry said.
