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Norway Reopens Land-Based Aquaculture Licensing with Stricter Rules

NORWAY
Thursday, July 03, 2025, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

New regulations clarify distinctions and introduce biosecurity demands for sustainable growth.

OSLO - After a moratorium of over two years, the Norwegian government has announced the reopening of applications for new permits in land-based fish farming. The move, effective July 1, 2025, comes alongside significant amendments to both the Salmon Allocation Regulations (laksetildelingsforskriften) and the Aquaculture Biosecurity Regulations (akvabiosikkerhetsforskriften), aiming to establish clearer frameworks for sustainable development.

"The government aims to facilitate the sustainable development of land-based fish farming," stated Fisheries and Ocean Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss. "A clearer distinction between land-based and sea-based aquaculture will provide more predictable operating conditions for both the industry and regulatory bodies."

The temporary halt on applications was first implemented in December 2022, following concerns that existing regulations did not adequately differentiate between sea-based and land-based operations, potentially undermining the concession system for traditional aquaculture.

Clearer Definitions and Enhanced Biosecurity

The updated regulations introduce several key changes:

• Precise Definition of Land-Based Aquaculture: The new rules clarify what constitutes land-based aquaculture, regardless of species or life stage. This aims to prevent facilities that, in practice, impact sea-based farms from receiving permits without the associated fees or strictures applicable to sea-based operations.

• Mandatory Intake Water Disinfection: New land-based facilities will now be required to disinfect intake water. This crucial measure is designed to reduce the risk of pathogen spread to nearby sea-based facilities and enhance overall biosecurity across the industry. "The requirement to treat intake water is necessary to protect both the marine environment and existing operators in the vicinity," Næss emphasized.

Scope and Implementation

It is important to note that the new regulatory framework applies only to new applications. Existing land-based facilities will not be subject to the new water treatment requirements unless they undergo significant modifications. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) is currently developing a detailed guide to define what constitutes a "significant change."

The Ministry's decision follows an extensive public consultation process, which generated nearly 50 submissions. Adjustments were made to the final regulations, including a clarification that the freshwater treatment requirement specifically targets facilities drawing water from sources with migrating anadromous fish or other infection risks.

These regulatory changes are designed to ensure that permits for land-based aquaculture do not undermine the principles behind Norway's established concession system for sea-based farming, promoting a more harmonized and sustainable growth trajectory for the entire aquaculture sector.

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