Norwegian seafood federation welcomes government policy on offshore aquaculture

The Norwegian government’s recent decision to designate three areas for offshore aquaculture has been described by the Norwegian seafood federation Sjømat Norge as a “significant step forward” in developing a new, large-scale seafood production industry at sea.

The organisation said it supported the main content of the proposal and "believes that the ministry is creating good conditions for actors to establish offshore aquaculture in a holistic and long-term manner, which ensures fish welfare and socio-economic value creation". 

In a statement issued this month in response to the government announcement, Ole Fretheim, Head of Aquaculture Technology at Sjomat Norge, said the size and location of the proposed zones, including Frøyabanken North, Trænabanken, and Norskerenna South, would give companies the flexibility to plan operations responsibly.

"That the areas are not delimited too early in the process is an important principle that Seafood Norway and the industry have highlighted. It is good that the government has listened. It gives the players the opportunity to work strategically with biosecurity and site structure," Fretheim said, adding that Sjomat Norge considers the areas large enough to support production clusters and set-aside zones adapted to local environmental conditions and technology needs, which he said are crucial for fish health and efficient operations.

"Together with the proposed changes to the salmon allocation regulations, the authorities are demonstrating a holistic and long-term approach," Fretheim continued, arguing "a good foundation has been laid for further dialogue and the design of regulations that can realize the great potential for value creation, jobs and exports."

Sjømat Norge is calling for predictable timelines to ensure companies can prepare strong applications and make investment decisions.

The organisation's full consultation response can be viewed on the Sjømat Norge website.