Food Safety Authority strengthens aquaculture focus

The Norwegian Food Safety Authority’s new aquaculture division is now operational. The division was created as part of a major restructuring programme. Bård Skjelstad, director of the new division, took up his post on 30 August. He said the move should enable the Authority to be able to better utilise its resources and contribute to more sustainable growth, improved fish health and lower mortality. He explained: “We are working in new ways, including, among other things, increased use of data and digital tools, and system reviews at the corporate level in the aquaculture industry. “The new leadership team in the aquaculture supervision division will be concerned with dialogue with the industry and cooperation with other authorities responsible for this sector. “Our goal is to enforce regulations and carry out supervision based on dialogue with the industry, improved risk understanding, and increased use of technology.” [caption id="attachment_164238" align="alignnone" width="220"] Bard Skjelstad, Head of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's Aquaculture division[/caption] Skjelstad has spent more than 30 years in the aquaculture sector, with roles including CEO of offshore fish farming business Aqualoop, Technology Director at Scale AQ, Head of Biology and Nutrition at Salmar, and Director of Operations (COO) at Aquagen. He said the aquaculture industry is constantly evolving, which places demands on the Authority, particularly in terms of how the industry is regulated and monitored. Skjelstad added: “Now that we have brought together all employees working with aquaculture into one department, we believe this will give us better oversight and control of the geographically dispersed industry.” “At the same time, we cannot and must never verify everything. The industry itself is responsible for complying with the regulations, independently of the Norwegian Food Safety Authority,” he added.