Norwegian Aquaculture: Leading the Way in Sustainable Fish Farming

Norway is one of the world’s leading producers of farmed fish. Thanks to its unique geographical position, the country enjoys distinct advantages in farming certain fish species, particularly salmon, rainbow trout, and cod.

Aquaculture in Norway has evolved from small-scale production more than 50 years ago to a highly advanced industry that now provides millions of fish meals to the world every day.

In recent years, the development has opened up new possibilities, such as farming additional species, shellfish, and algae.

This success can be attributed to Norway's favorable topography, high technical expertise, effective aquaculture management, and a skilled, dedicated workforce. The Norwegian government’s main objective is to enhance profitability and competitiveness in the aquaculture industry while ensuring sustainable development.

Although the Norwegian aquaculture industry can be regarded as a success, both the industry and the authorities face ongoing challenges. One of the key issues is the high concentration of sea lice, which also impacts wild salmon and sea trout populations. While the number of escaped salmon from fish farms has been significantly reduced, it remains a challenge for the sector.

To address these issues, various measures have been implemented, and collaboration between the industry, research institutions, and government authorities continues to focus on developing farming systems that minimize or eliminate environmental impacts.