April 14, 2023

Norwegian directorate to solicit views on potential impact of offshore aquaculture

Norway's Directorate of Fisheries has opened a new consultation to assess views on the potential impact of offshore aquaculture on the environment in three areas already set out late last year by the directorate.

The deadline for comments is 24 May.

The directorate has proposed three possible areas: one in the country's north, the second off central Norway and the third in the south which is directly across from the north Scottish coast.

Originally, 11 areas were proposed, but eight have been temporarily set aside until further information becomes available.

Offshore fish farming is seen as one of the next major developments in aquaculture.

Companies such as SalMar began preparing for this expansion over two years ago when it commissioned its Ocean Farm 1 platform It has now teamed up with Aker in a joint venture, SalMar Aker Ocean, which is planning global offshore developments.

Norwegian Fisheries Minister Bjørnar Skjæran said recently "at sea" fish farming will be of great importance for future value creation in the industry.

He added: "We are keeping up the pace with developing a separate licensing regime for offshore aquaculture, while, at the same time, facilitating further growth in an industry that already brings great value to the community."

Faroese fish farmer Bakkafrost has also indicated that it could move into offshore salmon aquaculture in future.

- Fish Farmer