New governmental regulations support closed fish farming technology

The scheme will allow companies that have received a decision to reduce production capacity under the traffic light system to still utilize the reduced capacity, provided the production takes place in a closed facility.

Hope to drive new technology

- This new scheme is intended to support the development of new operational methods with lower environmental impact than today’s open cages. I hope this can be the first step toward realizing the principles presented in the aquaculture white paper, said Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Marianne Sivertsen Næss as she released the new regulations.

As soon as documentation confirming compliance with the requirements is submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries, fish farmers can participate in the scheme.

You can read the details here.

The scheme follows prior rounds of consultation regarding the use of reduced capacity under specific environmental conditions.

- We have thoroughly reviewed the consultation responses and made some adjustments to the design. Among other things, we’ve strengthened the focus on preventing sea lice from entering the production units. This is important both to avoid increased lice pressure and to safeguard fish welfare and health, says the Minister.

Improved fish welfare

There is already a well-functioning system for environmental monitoring under and around aquaculture facilities. This ensures that environmental impact is responsible and sustainable. Requirements related to sludge and feed residues provide fish farmers with an additional tool to implement measures when necessary for environmental reasons.

Several consultation bodies have emphasized the importance of considering animal health and welfare. No new specific requirements have been introduced in this area. This means that the usual regulations apply, and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority can use its full toolbox to ensure good animal health and welfare.

Sea lice is a headache for the aquaculture industry. Closed cages will prevent the sea lice from entering the production units, important to borthe the fish welfare for salmon in cages and for the wild species. Eide Fjordbruk’s Watermoon technology is an innovative example of how the industry is adapting. Photo: Charlotte Hartvigsen Lem.  

Compliance criteria

Fish farmers who have had their license capacity reduced due to a red light in the production area can use this capacity if they comply with specific environmental requirements.

Requirements for closed production units include:

• A sealed barrier against the surroundings
• No intake of eggs or free-swimming stages of sea lice
• Capability to collect sludge and feed residues
• Additional safeguards against escapes

External verification is required to confirm that the production units meet these criteria. Once documentation of this verification is submitted to the Directorate of Fisheries, the reduced capacity may be utilized.

Can you supply new technology?

To be able to exploit their competitative advangates, the Norwegian aquaculture industry is constantly searching for technological and biological tools to increase their production of sustainable food.

Can your business fill a gap in the value chain? Don’t hesitate to contact us if we can connect you to the Vestland aquaculture community.