The Norwegian Maritime Directorate stopped salmon ferries in several areas Wednesday, temporarily stranding millions of dollars worth of fresh seafood, and taking the seafood industry by surprise.

The move had immediate implications for Norwegian Seafood Federation (Sjomat Norge) members, especially in Helgeland, Norway, where 45 salmon-filled lorries were left on the ferry quays.

"We are talking about values ​​for tens of millions, in what is considered the busiest week of the year," said Trond Davidsen, assistant director of Seafood Norway. "We have also received reactions from member companies from other parts of the country, from Finnmark."

Seafood Norway is a national association in the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, which is following up the directorate's response form.

"We must ensure that this kind of situation doesn't happen again," Davidsen said.

The blockage was lifted not so long later.

"The situation was resolved in quickly," Mowi Communication Director Ola Helge Hjetland told IntraFish.

"It has only led to minor delays for us now, but if the situation had continued beyond today, it would have had major consequences."