Norway – a dream model for marine aquaculture

The Vietnam Fisheries Journal had an interview with Ms Anne Brønsten Osland, Head of the Aquaculture Licensing Section, Norwegian Department of Fisheries to get some insights into what Norway has done from the governance perspectives.

How challenging was it for Norway to develop policies for development of marine aquaculture on industrial scale? And what are the solutions to those challenges?

It has taken Norway almost 50 years to develop a mature and profitable industry. For the first three decades there were challenges with diseases, sudden loss of fish, firms going through bankruptcy, market challenges etc. Also, there were a lot of complaints from neighbors and locale fishermen about marine farms being established.

Some of the important solutions include a general decision to stop using antibiotics, following focus on development of vaccines and regulation of daily routines that ensured a healthier industry, systematic fallowing of cites, reporting duties regarding production, disease outbreaks, escapes, use of chemicals etc.

In addition, a transparent bureaucracy around the industry with notification of applications securing that everyone in the community has a right to access and put forward protests is another good approach.

A coordinated handling of applications including the need of approval from food safety and animal welfare authorities, the coastal authorities, the pollution and conservation authorities and the interests of local fishermen (fishing ground etc.) A systematic national Registry over all aquaculture licenses was established quite early.  Meanwhile, coastal zone planning by the small municipalities and extensive mapping of different interests has secured more knowledge-based placing of farms.

Vietnam is planning to develop marine aquaculture industry; what do you think we can learn from Norway’s experiences?

I think it is important to develop systems for competence building (level and capacity) that focus both on theoretical knowledge, but also on practical skills and experience through actual farm work.

There are various key factors that decide the success of this industry, including health perspectives (see above), breeding programs and good quality of eggs, fingerlings, smolt etc., and transparency in all parts of the industry, documentation and reporting duties.

In addition, to encourage Norwegian businesses to invest in technologies and develop marine aquaculture on industrial scale, in the 2006 Aquaculture Act, Norway allowed all licenses registered in the Aquaculture Registry to be used as a collateral for loans, securing a more stable source of financing for aquaculture companies. This also led to development of a few very large companies registered on the Norwegian stock market, several medium sized companies and still a lot of companies holding between 2 and 15 licenses.

Technically, Norway has been adopting consistent regulations and national standards focusing on technology such as mooring systems, the age of farming equipment etc.

Does Norway have any plan to cooperate with Vietnam on this area in the future?

Aquaculture has been a traditional area of cooperation between Norway and Vietnam for decades. The Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries has been trying our best to respond with presentations etc. to those who invite us. We are happy to know Vietnam is also planning to develop your marine aquaculture on industrial scale.

At the end of 2020, a Vietnam-Norway Aquaculture Workshop was planned to take place, but then was postponed due to the COVID-19. We will proceed with this plan and hopefully we can success this year. 

Thank you!