Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries adopted new regulations for land-based aquaculture on July 1, simultaneously lifting a temporary suspension on processing applications for new permits that had been in place since December 20, 2022.
The ministry stated the changes were necessary because technological development had blurred the line between what could be considered a land-based versus a sea-based farm. The concern was that some facilities were receiving permits for land-based operations while posing a similar risk of infection spread to traditional open sea cages.
The amended regulations introduce a clearer distinction between land and sea-based facilities and a new requirement for the disinfection of intake water to limit the risk of spreading infectious agents. Minister of Fisheries and the Oceans, Marianne Sivertsen Næss, said the new rules will provide more predictable framework conditions for the industry and ensure good biosecurity.
The ministry clarified that the requirements apply only to new facilities. Existing permitted farms will not be covered unless they make "significant changes," a term to be specified in a guide from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority.