1. Direction and Objectives for the Aquaculture Sector

Future regulations for aquaculture will be based on actual, measurable environmental impact and include individual incentives for companies. These measures are intended to improve fish welfare and reduce mortality.

The regulatory models proposed in the government’s white paper (Meld. St. 24), the Aquaculture Commission’s report, and the current framework will all be evaluated before a final decision is made by Parliament.

2. Transition to a New Regulatory Framework

The shift to a new regulatory system must be predictable and enjoy broad political support.

The current system—based on maximum biomass limits (MTB) and the traffic light framework—will remain in place until a new system is developed and adopted. In the interim, incentive mechanisms will be introduced to reduce environmental impact, including through a new Environmental Technology Program.

A method for allocating future quotas based on company-specific MTB levels will be explored. Any potential repeal of MTB must be preceded by a thorough analysis of its implications for company valuation, ownership, and access to financing.

The new framework must accommodate small- and medium-sized operators and remain structure-neutral. Existing special permits will be integrated into the new framework, with further assessment on how best to do so.

The new regulatory system will undergo full consultation and be submitted for parliamentary approval by 2026. Implementation is expected within 2 to 4 years.

3. Environmental Technology Incentives

Parliament supports the introduction of a technology-neutral Environmental Technology Program, under which previously withdrawn biomass capacity can be used in facilities with zero sea lice emissions. This program will begin in fall 2025.

The program will later expand to include low-emission technologies—such as automated lice counting—once sufficient data and technological verification exist. This expanded version must be operational no later than 2026, replacing the current exemption rule in the traffic light system. The structure will ensure that lice-reduction performance is directly tied to the strength of financial incentives.

Parliament has also asked the government to consider expanding this into a general support scheme, in line with Motion 606 passed unanimously in 2024.

4. Governance and Coastal Area Management

Parliament recommends consolidating high-level aquaculture oversight under a new Directorate of Fisheries and Aquaculture, which would have authority over site allocation and permitting. It would also support municipalities in their coastal area planning efforts.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries will continue to oversee regulatory development and data collection related to sea lice impacts.

New national guidelines for coastal marine planning are being developed. More permitting conditions will be formalized in regulations rather than case-by-case licenses to create a more streamlined, predictable process.

This reorganization is aimed at accelerating and harmonizing site application processing. Access to sufficient marine area is considered a prerequisite for future growth in the sector.

The Aquaculture Fund will be maintained and further developed to ensure stable, predictable revenues for host municipalities and coastal communities.

5. Data, Research, and Technology Development

The government will build a comprehensive knowledge base on aquaculture’s environmental impacts, including effects on wild salmon populations. A broad panel of researchers and experts will contribute, with continued transparency in methods and models.

Authorities are urged to strengthen the technical and biological data foundation for environmental assessments. Given the high costs, the government is asked to explore partnerships with private actors for data sharing and coordination.

Insights from the evaluation of the traffic light system will inform new regulatory decisions, particularly concerning:

Sea lice thresholds for wild fish mortality

Impacts on wild salmon populations

Spawning stock assessments

Efforts will focus on improving monitoring of sea lice, emissions, and fish welfare through real-time data sharing and advanced technologies.

6. Additional Consensus Items

Fish Welfare:
Parliament requests the government to take action to meet the Animal Welfare Report's target of reducing mortality rates in aquaculture to 5%.

Waste Management:
By 2026, the government will present proposals on how aquaculture waste—including sludge—can contribute to a circular economy. This will include options for recovery, use in agriculture and energy, and the development of a national circular strategy for aquaculture.

Low-Trophic Species:
Parliament supports measures to scale up low-trophic aquaculture, including macroalgae farming. The aim is to enable sustainable growth and value creation in this segment, including ensuring adequate access to marine areas.

Species Limitations:
Current restrictions on species types in aquaculture licenses will remain in effect.

Norwegian lawmakers reach agreement on aquaculture policy; core rules to remain in place for now