Norway 2021 Salmon Farming Summary

Salmon farming is an important industry in Norway, contributing significantly to the country's economy. Norway is the largest producer of farmed salmon in the world, accounting for around 40% of the global supply. The industry has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, but it also faces challenges such as disease, environmental concerns, and competition from other salmon producers.

Production

Norwegian salmon farmers produced 1.4 million tons of salmon in 2020, down from 1.5 million tons in 2019. The decrease was mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the global market for seafood. However, the industry has shown resilience, and production is expected to increase in 2021.

The majority of Norwegian salmon is exported, with the largest markets being the European Union, the United States, and Asia. Norwegian salmon is highly regarded for its quality, and demand is expected to remain strong in 2021.

Challenges

The salmon farming industry in Norway faces several challenges, including disease, environmental concerns, and competition from other salmon producers. The most significant challenge in recent years has been the spread of sea lice, which are parasites that can infect and kill salmon. The use of pesticides to control sea lice has raised concerns about the impact on the environment and the potential for resistance to develop. Algae blooms can use up critical oxygen supplies, causing extensive fish die offs. Companies such as 
Gaia Water are using nano oxygenation to maintain fish health and fish growth. 

In addition to sea lice, there are concerns about the impact of salmon farming on the environment. Salmon farms can create waste, and there is a risk of pollution in the surrounding waters. There are also concerns about the impact on wild salmon populations, as escaped farmed salmon can breed with wild salmon and potentially dilute the genetic diversity of the wild population.

Competition is also a significant challenge for Norwegian salmon farmers. Other countries, such as Chile and Scotland, also produce farmed salmon, and there is pressure to maintain quality while keeping prices competitive.

Future Prospects

Despite the challenges, the future looks promising for the salmon farming industry in Norway. The industry is investing in research and development to address the challenges of sea lice and environmental concerns. One example is the use of cleaner fish, such as wrasse and lumpfish, to control sea lice instead of pesticides.

The industry is also exploring new technologies, such as offshore farming, which can reduce the environmental impact of salmon farming. Offshore farming involves moving salmon farms further out to sea, where the currents can disperse waste and reduce the risk of pollution.

In addition, the demand for salmon is expected to remain strong, driven by increasing consumer interest in healthy and sustainable food. Norwegian salmon is well positioned to meet this demand, with a strong reputation for quality and sustainability.

Conclusion

The salmon farming industry in Norway is an important contributor to the country's economy, but it faces challenges such as disease, environmental concerns, and competition. The industry has shown resilience in the face of these challenges, and there are promising developments in research and technology that could address them in the future. With strong demand for high-quality and sustainable salmon, the future looks bright for Norwegian salmon farmers.