A crossroads for Norwegian aquaculture

A broad majority in the Storting now establishes what many along the coast already know: The aquaculture industry is not just central – it is crucial for Norway’s future value creation and food security.

This week, the Aquaculture Report is adopted in a broad political settlement. With that, the central role of the aquaculture industry is recognized for the country’s export revenues, workplaces, coastal communities and the production of climate -friendly food. It marks a clear shift in Norwegian politics and social debate.

An engine for coastal Norway

Along the entire coast, the aquaculture industry is an engine for employment and development – both directly and through a large supplier industry. In other words, aquaculture is already a mainstay in the Norwegian economy, especially in the districts. The UN points to aquaculture as a key to the sustainable food production of the future. Here, Norway has both natural advantages and high competence – and thus a responsibility to contribute. Norway is a world leader in salmon farming and accounts for over half of the world’s production. It is a position that gives reason for pride, but not to rest on the laurels. This is something we must develop further, and it has understood a large majority in the Storting.

In order to succeed in this development, today’s fragmented administration must be simplified. It is therefore important that the Storting ensures a total fisheries and aquaculture directorate that can provide better coordination, faster case processing and clearer responsibility.

Better data, strengthened knowledge

The Storting states that further growth in aquaculture should take place within factual and knowledge-based environmental requirements. To that we have innovation and technology development, but also a stronger knowledge base, not least when it comes to the impact on wild salmon populations. The Storting has also understood that.

A broadly composed professional committee will now map the actual influence of the industry. This is crucial to building trust and ensuring legitimacy for the regulations. When decisions are perceived as fair and knowledge -based, cooperation between industry, management and society is strengthened.

More than one industry

The Storting shows that it is possible to combine growth with environmental considerations. It is possible to develop an industry that is both locally rooted and globally competitive. Now the government must follow up with specific measures and simplifications that provide the industry a predictable framework for further development.

Aquaculture is more than an industry – it is a strategic resource for Norway. The broad political settlement, from Frp to SV, emphasizes that our elected officials are now taking the further development of aquaculture seriously.

Krister Hoaas

Regional Manager Aquaculture West

Seafood Norway

Submit your debate post to [email protected] and mark the post with debate