A champion of the Norwegian seafood industry and its historic aquaculture practices, the Norwegian Seafood Council (NSC) is celebrating World Oceans Day with an ode to the country’s time-tested traditions that have shaped the world’s modern seafood market.
Norway serves as the leading producer of seafood globally, and thus has a great responsibility to manage its practices in a way that preserves the health and safety of the oceans it farms from. As the approval authority for Norwegian seafood exporters, the NSC has adopted several pioneering quality control methods that contribute to the protection of local marine biodiversity and ensure sustainable seafood resources for future generations.
The NSC’s approach to ocean preservation reflects Norway’s larger commitment to promoting sustainable practices across its fishing and aquaculture industries. The country’s innovative and eco-friendly marine farming methods have set a benchmark for the global field, demonstrating techniques that successfully satisfy the world’s demand for seafood while minimising the impact on wild fish populations.
Norway’s best marine farming practices address overfishing, marine pollution, climate change, and the safeguarding of sensitive marine habitats. Some key examples include:
- Responsible Fish Welfare: Norwegian marine farms prioritise the wellbeing of their fish, maintaining optimal living conditions, proper nutrition, and responsible handling throughout the population’s lifecycle.
- Environmental Stewardship: Norway’s marine farmers actively manage their farms in a way that minimises environmental impact – through monitoring water quality, optimising feed usage, and implementing effective waste management systems.
- Technology and Innovation: Norway’s marine farming sector regularly invests in research to drive innovation. This includes the use of advanced technologies for fish health monitoring, feed management, and sustainable production methods.
- Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing: Norwegian marine farmers collaborate closely with scientific institutions and research organisations to exchange knowledge, share updated best practices, and promote continuous improvement within the industry.
Ingelill Jacobsen, Project Manager Emerging Markets said: “As global demand for seafood continues to rise, it is more important than ever to address the ways in which we supply the market with fresh and sustainable marine products. We recognise that transparency is a powerful medium that drives industry performance, and hope that by sharing our country’s best practices, we can continue to put
the health of our oceans and the wellbeing of their inhabitants at the forefront of our decision-making. Let this World Oceans Day serve as a reminder of all that our waters provide for us, and the responsibility we have to care for them in return.”
For more information on Norway’s aquaculture industry or the NSC’s involvement, please visit: https://norwegianseafoodcouncil.com/.