February 15, 2007

Norway to look at ways to grow freshwater fish

Farming of freshwater fish such as charr and perch are catching on in Norway, according to views at a special conference on freshwater aquaculture.

In Norway and several other countries, farming of freshwater fish is an area in growth, said Senior Scientist Sten Siikavuopio, who worked a lot with charr and European whitefish in recent years.

Farmers have regarded freshwater aquaculture as a supplemental industry or an alternative to agriculture.

Norway already produces several freshwater species such as trout harr. These can be followed by European whitefish, burbot and perch, participants said.

In mid-March, a conference on marketing, processing and specific challenges associated with freshwater fish production would be held.  This is the second time the conference is being held, which will be an annual meeting place for the new aquaculture industry.

The conference is hosted by the Norwegian Freshwater Fish Association, the Norwegian Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research.