New regime for Norway’s land-based fish farms

The Norwegian authorities are proposing a number of major changes for land fish farming operations as part of an attempt to create a more sustainable sector.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has assured the industry that any new proposals will be open to consultation.

Some of the proposals revolve around biosecurity and salmon allocation regulations.

Norway’s Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Næss said there is a definite need to provide clearer rules for on land aquaculture. She stated: “Aquaculture on land is a supplement to coastal aquaculture and should contribute to the production of healthy and safe seafood in a sustainable way, while also ensuring profitable employment and activity along the coast.

“I believe the proposals will help to ensure that aquaculture production on land takes place in a sustainable and responsible way.”

Marianne Næss, Fisheries and Oceans Minister, Norway

It was more than a year ago that the ministry submitted for consultation a proposal for changes to the salmon allocation regulations. But that was put on hold pending an investigation of functional requirements for cleaning water in aquaculture production on land.

The new proposals now include proposals for changes to the salmon allocation regulations, and proposals for concrete functional requirements for water purification.

The ministry is now recommending that requirements be introduced for disinfection of intake water for aquaculture facilities on land, in order to limit the risk of the spread of infectious agents through water.

It is also proposed that requirements for disinfection should apply regardless of species or type of facility.

This will reduce the possibility of contagion from onshore aquaculture facilities affecting surrounding facilities.