Norway consults on new rules for offshore aquaculture areas

Norway’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries has opened a public consultation on proposed changes to its aquaculture regulations. The new rules are designed to facilitate the development of fish farming in offshore sea areas.

The main proposal is to shift from allocating individual farm locations to awarding larger sea areas to operators. Operators that are allocated an area will be required to prepare a comprehensive plan covering the establishment, development, operation, and eventual closure of all activities within that zone.

According to Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss, the development of offshore aquaculture will require the establishment of new infrastructure, from production to transport.

The government stated its goal is to ensure "biosecure" operation of the areas and "sustainable" development of the new offshore aquaculture industry.

The ministry noted that the proposal will require interested parties to meet certain competence requirements before they can compete for an area allocation. The public consultation is open until the deadline of September 17, 2025.