Norwegian aquaculture management
Norwegian aquaculture is strictly managed and monitored, with both law, control and research. This ensures best practice as well as new innovations in management and technology.
This is the Norwegian model for aquaculture management
Norwegian seafood and aquaculture management consists of four parts that work together towards a balanced and sustainable seafood industry:
- Legislation
- Research and development
- Regulation
- Control
Through this management structure, Norwegian seafood is regulated according to sustainability principles that balance environmental, social and governance considerations.
Public administration and government
The public administration is the government’s administrative apparatus and includes ministries, state-owned companies, public enterprises, and subordinate directorates. The key bodies involved in the management of Norwegian seafood are the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries, the Directorate of Fisheries and various fisheries commissions. These bodies regulate the sector and are responsible for shaping Norwegian aquaculture policy.
Legislation that regulate Norwegian aquaculture
In Norway, the Aquaculture Act provides legal framework for the management of aquaculture. The Act forms the basis of the statutory framework governing the production of aquatic organisms.
For environmental reasons, all production is strictly regulated. The Act aims to promote the profitability and competitiveness of the aquaculture industry within the framework of sustainable development.
Official authorities that ensure compliance in the aquaculture industry
Management systems for Norway’s aquaculture industry
Two key regimes or systems play a central role in managing Norway’s aquaculture resources, ensuring that they are used responsibly and in line with regulations.
Aquaculture permits and licences
Aquaculture has been regulated through licences since 1973, although the system has undergone several changes since then. Aquaculture operations require a permit from the authorities. The permit determines the scale of production, where the aquaculture facility may be located, and how the facility must be designed.
The traffic light system
Green
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries considers the environmental impact to be acceptable. Aquaculture producers in the production area may be offered opportunities to increase production through new permits or increased production capacity under existing permits.
Yellow
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries considers the environmental impact to be moderate. Aquaculture producers in the production area are not permitted to change their production levels.
Red
Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Fisheries considers the environmental impact to be unacceptable. The Ministry may reduce the production capacity of aquaculture producers in the production area.
This is the traffic light system
The traffic light system was introduced in autumn 2017 to ensure that growth in aquaculture remains within ecological limits. It forms part of the aquaculture permit and licensing framework.
At present, the only indicator used is the impact of salmon lice on wild salmon. The system determines how much biomass growth is permitted within a geographical production area.
Areas are classified as red, yellow or green. Green areas are permitted to increase production, yellow areas may maintain current production levels, while red areas must reduce production.
The traffic light system has a steering committee composed of representatives from the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), the Institute of Marine Research (IMR), and the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.
The traffic light system is expected to change in the years ahead.
You can read more about the system on the Directorate of fisheries website (Norwegian).