Norway fires starting gun on offshore farming

The move has also sparked a major debate among the country’s aquaculture companies and groups about the speed of progress from now on.

Following a declaration signed by King Harald of Norway, the Fisheries and Oceans Minister Marianne Sivertsen Næss, said the move marked an important milestone in the government’s work on offshore aquaculture.

“We can now start work on the last thing that needs to be in place before the competition can be carried out: a regulation on area allocation,” she declared.

“It will determine which areas are advertised, how the competition for commitments will be carried out, and what requirements are set for the participants.

“Offshore aquaculture can become a new industrial adventure. At the same time, development must take place in a controlled and step-by-step manner, with due regard for both the environment and other industries.”

There are three listed areas “Norskerenna" in the south, "Frøyabanken North  and Trænabanken" in the north, and "Kystzonen Lofoten"  also in the north.

Certain parts where the Norwegian armed forces operate have been excluded from the zones.

And before any structures are laid a further and more detailed assessment of the areas will be carried out.

Whichever aquaculture company is awarded an area will have to  prepare a plan and an impact assessment report.

The minister added: “I would like to thank those communities who see the opportunities and are involved in developing concepts for offshore aquaculture. I hope they will continue on the journey and contribute good input to the further work.”