A | A | A

Aquaculture in Norway

Norway has a long coastline of cold, fresh seawater that provides excellent conditions for sustainable aquaculture activities. In the 40 years of its existence, the aquaculture industry in Norway has grown into a major activity, creating jobs and value along the entire coast. In 2008, total production was 850,000 tons of farmed fish, worth around NOK 17.5 billion in first-hand turnover.

Salmon and trout are the main species, but cod, other marine species and shellfish are also farmed. Norway is the world’s largest producer of farmed Atlantic salmon, and Norwegian salmon is exported to almost 100 countries.

Norway is also a global leader in aquaculture expertise, in terms of operations, technology, and research and development.

A sustainable aquaculture industry is one which is run with consideration for, and is adapted to, the marine environment and biological diversity. Environmentally sustainable production is a precondition for long-term development and growth. In 2009, the government launched a strategy for an environmentally sustainable Norwegian aquaculture industry. The strategy focuses on the main impacts of the industry on the environment, sets goals for development and lists measures required to achieve them.


Share on your network   |   print