Norway’s Aquaculture Innovators: Pioneering a Sustainable Seafood Industry
Introduction
Norway’s seafood industry owes its current success to a culture of innovation. This innovation serves as the lifeblood of the sector, adapting to ever-changing regulatory and environmental factors. Such an adaptable approach is critical for offering efficient, sustainable, and quality-driven solutions to meet the demands of both the ocean and consumers.
The Norwegian government has developed a flexible regulatory model that can adapt to emerging science, evolving technologies, and lessons learned from experience at sea. In 2025, discussions deepened in the Norwegian Parliament regarding better management practices within the seafood industry, focusing on biomass regulations, farming zones, and prioritizing animal welfare.
Growing Demand for Sustainability
Globally, the demand for sustainable practices is growing, significantly influencing consumer purchases. According to research from the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) conducted across 11 international markets, many consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable seafood, even amidst financial constraints. Notable markets include:
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China (78%)
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Thailand (71%)
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United Kingdom (56%)
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Brazil (53%)
Innovating for Sustainable Aquaculture
The Norwegian industry is committed to reassessing its practices and leveraging scientific advice and cutting-edge technology in pursuit of more efficient and sustainable aquaculture. This innovation extends into the private sector, where numerous aquaculture and fisheries-tech start-ups are contributing towards meaningful change.
Folla Alger: Integrating Seaweed for Sustainability
Located in Steigen, Nordland, Folla Alger is redefining fish farming and feed production through integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA). This approach combines salmon farming with seaweed cultivation to create a circular system where the seaweed absorbs excess nutrients from salmon production.
“For us, IMTA is the future,” says general manager Torben Marstrand. “It’s an effective way to make salmon farming more sustainable, especially since Norway has around 1,800 salmon farms.” This model promises both efficiency and sustainability, with reports indicating that one square kilometer of kelp farming can offset the CO2 emissions from 3,000 diesel cars annually.
Nourishing Fish with Functional Feeds
Folla Alger is also focused on developing market-ready functional fish feeds designed to enhance health by boosting immunity, improving disease resistance, and stimulating appetite. “We work with leading institutes including Sintef Ocean and Norwegian University of Science and Technology,” adds Marstrand. “Our R&D activities aim to establish a new green seaweed industry in Norway.”
Remora Robotics: Automation for Fish Welfare
Innovation in aquaculture also includes automation, exemplified by Remora Robotics, which has developed the first fully autonomous cleaning and inspection robots for fish farms. Chief executive Svein Erik Gregersen explains, “Our system maintains clean nets and inspects for damage continuously, minimizing stress for the fish while also being environmentally friendly.”
By adopting a gentler, preventative approach, Remora Robotics reduces risks associated with traditional, high-intensity cleaning methods. “We’ve already saved the industry from approximately 1,000 high-pressure cleanings,” Gregersen reports, emphasizing improved biosecurity and fewer disruptions to fish welfare.
Blue Lice: Early Intervention Technology
Another innovative player, Blue Lice, focuses on addressing the persistent issue of sea lice through preventative technology. This system captures sea lice before they reach the fish, significantly reducing lice pressure in the water column.
“Our technology intercepts lice early, resulting in fewer interventions and a healthier production cycle overall,” explains chief executive Karoline Sjødal Olsen. Their system captures up to 80,000 lice per day, leading to a substantial reduction in lice larvae within just one week, benefitting not only their clients but neighboring farms as well.
Collaboration in Innovation
Folla Alger, Remora Robotics, and Blue Lice exemplify the innovation driving Norway’s aquatech sector, sharing a common commitment to fish welfare and environmental responsibility. Norwegian Seafood Council communications director Martin Skaug notes, “Innovation is intrinsic to Norway’s approach to aquaculture.”
Skaug pointed out that the Norwegian Seafood Council works closely with the industry to develop markets worldwide, investing significantly in promoting Norway’s seafood products. As the nation continues to explore cutting-edge solutions to enhance aquaculture practices, these innovators stand poised to make a lasting impact on global seafood sustainability.
Conclusion
As the seafood industry evolves, Norway’s commitment to innovation positions it as a global leader in sustainable aquaculture. More than just technological advancements, the combined efforts of these startups and the regulatory support of the Norwegian government pave the way for a more resilient and environmentally friendly seafood industry.
About the Norwegian Seafood Council
The Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) collaborates with the fisheries and aquaculture industries to develop markets through intelligence and risk management. Based in Tromsø, it operates in 15 international markets. Funded by a tariff on seafood exports, NSC is owned by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Fisheries.
To learn more about Norway’s sustainable seafood practices, visit Norwegian Seafood Council.
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