A nationwide inspection campaign carried out by the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet) has revealed widespread environmental violations in the country’s aquaculture industry. According to the agency’s findings, published this week, 88% of the 77 land-based fish farming facilities inspected in 2023 were found to be in breach of pollution regulations or emission permits.
The violations include untreated waste discharge, malfunctioning water treatment systems, and overproduction beyond what permits allow. The report warns that excessive releases of nutrient salts and particulate matter into fjords could lead to seabed sedimentation and oxygen depletion, with potentially severe consequences for marine ecosystems.
Serious breaches prompt call for follow-up
“These are serious results,” said Hilde Singsaas, Director of the Environment Agency. “Almost nine out of ten facilities have violated pollution regulations, and many of the breaches are serious. Discharging high levels of nutrients and particles into the sea can cause seabed silting and oxygen deficiency. This is something we must follow up on.”
The inspection was partly motivated by a 2023 investigation by Dagens Næringsliv (DN), which revealed that one-third of hatcheries producing smolt—juvenile salmon for ocean-based farms—had never been inspected by authorities.
Industry groups refuse early comment
Industry organisations Sjømat Norge (Seafood Norway) and Sjømatbedriftene (The Norwegian Seafood Federation) were given early access to the report but declined to comment before its official release.
“Sjømatbedriftene and Sjømat Norge believe it is incorrect to comment on a report before it is made public at 07:30 on Wednesday morning. We will review the report and publish a joint statement on our websites once we are familiar with its contents,” wrote Øyvind André Haram, communications manager at Sjømat Norge, in an email to DN.
Environmental pressure on the aquaculture sector
The Norwegian aquaculture industry, one of the country’s most lucrative export sectors, has faced increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact. Land-based facilities, often perceived as a more sustainable alternative to open-net sea cages, are now coming under fire for failing to comply with pollution control standards.
This latest revelation is likely to intensify the debate about the future of fish farming in Norway and the regulatory oversight needed to ensure environmental protection while maintaining economic growth.
