Aquaculture is an important future industry in Vestland with great value creation and many jobs in coastal communities. Photo: Morten Wanvik

Norwegian County Advocates for Careful Analysis in New Aquaculture Regulations, Prioritizing Harmony and Sustainability

NORWAY
Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

• Vestland Supports Intentions but Urges Thorough Impact Assessment, Emphasizing Knowledge, Technology Investment, and Concerns Over Production Cuts and Wild Salmon Protection.

• The County Committee supports the intentions of the Aquaculture Report, and agrees that the aquaculture industry should be regulated with environmental and animal welfare in mind. However, the proposed changes must be thoroughly analyzed to clarify the consequences.

Vestland – While supportive of the overarching goals of Norway's new Aquaculture Report, the Vestland County Council has emphasized the critical need for thorough analysis to fully understand the consequences of the proposed regulatory changes on both the aquaculture industry and the environment. In a recent news release following their committee decision on May 13th, the council conveyed its agreement with regulating the aquaculture sector concerning environmental impact and animal welfare but stressed the importance of a well-informed transition.

County Mayor Jon Askeland stated, "Although much in the Aquaculture Report is positive, the underlying knowledge base requires improvement. We urge central government authorities to actively involve Vestland County Municipality and our partners in this crucial work." The Aquaculture Report, presented by Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss during One Ocean Week in Bergen on April 10th, outlines a new and more comprehensive management system for the aquaculture industry in Norway. Vestland County's detailed response incorporates feedback from 13 hearings on the report.

A key aspect of the proposed changes is the replacement of the current "traffic light system," primarily used to regulate the impact of sea lice, with an emissions-based quota system for sea lice larvae. While Vestland County Council acknowledges that quota-based regulation could offer a more equitable and accurate management approach, they underscore the necessity of precise knowledge, robust monitoring, and transparent reporting mechanisms for its effective implementation.

"This represents a significant shift in managing sea lice impacts, demanding robust systems and close follow-up to function effectively in practice," noted Mayor Askeland. The council also voiced concerns regarding the potential for substantial production reductions in Western Norway, a concern raised by the aquaculture industry itself. They questioned whether the current knowledge base unequivocally supports the necessity of such a significant reduction, referencing the conclusions of the Expert Committee on the Traffic Light System for the period 2022-2024.

<-- Vestland County Council 

Furthermore, Vestland County Council highlighted the time required for implementing the proposed changes and stressed the importance of allowing reductions in production areas PO3 and PO4 to be utilized for production methods that minimize sea lice release during a transitional phase. This, they argue, would provide essential incentives for investment in technologies crucial for achieving the long-term goals outlined in the Aquaculture Report.

Impact from fish farming in open cages in the sea. Source: Norwegian Environment Agency

Mayor Askeland elaborated, "The situation in Vestland is challenging. Improving it necessitates investment in new production methods, which can be hindered by uncertainty surrounding the regulatory framework. Therefore, incentives are vital to justify these investments." The council also raised concerns about the potential consequences of removing the quantity limitation (MTB) on production, insisting on a thorough investigation into its impact before any such removal. "The quantity limitation must not be removed if it weakens the aquaculture industry's financial stability and its capacity to fund the development of environmental technology," Askeland emphasized.

Beyond sea lice management and production limits, Vestland County Council advocated for the explicit inclusion of circular economy principles within the Fisheries Report, emphasizing its prerequisite for sustainable operations and justifying production growth. They also championed the continuation of the teaching concession scheme, recognizing its vital role in fostering collaboration between the industry and upper secondary schools and its contribution to education funding. Additionally, the council stressed the need for the Aquaculture Report to provide clear guidance on achieving environmental objectives under the Water Resources Regulations.

Number of aquaculture locations distributed by environmental condition from 2015 to 2024 (B surveys)

The council's comprehensive response also addressed food security, the Aquaculture Fund, wild salmon populations, and spatial planning. They underscored the importance of Norwegian aquaculture in providing sustainable and healthy food, particularly in preparedness situations, and called for food preparedness to be an overarching consideration in the report's further development. Concerns were raised about the potential financial implications for the Aquaculture Fund, emphasizing the need for local communities to retain their share of value creation. The council also stressed the importance of strengthening the knowledge base for wild salmon to better inform effective conservation measures and called for clear guidelines on land allocation for aquaculture, based on robust scientific knowledge and clear funding responsibilities for necessary studies.

Number of reported escaped farmed fish and recaptures from 2014 to 2024. Source: Directorate of Fisheries. Click on the image to enlarge it.

In conclusion, Vestland County Council's detailed feedback reflects a commitment to fostering a harmonious coexistence between a vital aquaculture industry and the preservation of Norway's valuable marine environment. While supporting the intentions of the new regulations, they advocate for a cautious and well-informed implementation process, driven by thorough analysis, robust scientific understanding, and incentives for technological innovation, ultimately aiming for a sustainable and prosperous future for both the sector and the coastal communities it impacts. The council also explicitly supported setting an environmental target of less than 10% mortality on wild salmon due to salmon lice, aligning with the quality standard for wild salmon.

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