Robert H. Eriksson demands a meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture and calls for strong measures against farmed salmon exports

Sjømatbedriftene Demands Urgent Action on Illegal Fish Exports in Norway

NORWAY
Friday, November 07, 2025, 00:20 (GMT + 9)

Association Calls for Immediate Meeting with Minister Amidst Organized Crime Allegations and Lack of Controls

OSLO - The Norwegian Seafood Association (Sjømatbedriftene) has requested an immediate meeting with the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture to address serious problems revealed in the aquaculture industry. NRK's series "Lakselandet" (aired by Brennpunkt) has exposed illegal fish exports, potential document forgery, and what the Norwegian Customs Administration describes as potential organized crime.

Eriksson criticized the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans' statement on November 3, which attributed responsibility for cleanliness solely to the industry. Sjømatbedriftene argues that the State must take its share of responsibility by using its "powerful tools."

The association reports that controls are "too infrequent," the risk of being caught is "too small," and reactions are "too lenient," even for serious crimes. They propose sanctions such as temporary or permanent business closure and revocation of export authorizations for serious and repeated violations.

Furthermore, Eriksson points out that the authorities' own practices, such as exemptions from quality standards and agreements with companies like Norwegian Gannet without clear conditions, have created an "unclear situation" that legitimizes unacceptable experimentation.

Alona Bondina es la fundadora y directora ejecutiva de Compras y Ventas, Crecimiento Estratégico y Alianzas con Clientes. Fotos: gentileza North Tandem AS

Furthermore, Eriksson points out that the authorities' own practices, such as exemptions from quality standards and agreements with companies like Norwegian Gannet without clear conditions, have created an "unclear situation" that legitimizes unacceptable experimentation.

Sjømatbedriftene has invited the Minister to a meeting to discuss the use of existing sanctions, consider austerity measures, and create a working group to propose clearer limits.

Regarding the accusations against North Tandem AS for document forgery, Eriksson is unequivocal: "Those who act in this manner should lose the right to export fish in the near future." The industry finds itself at a crucial crossroads, where the sector's reputation for quality and trust is at stake.

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