Walid Battal
Aquaculture is highly valued along the western and northern coasts of Norway. This Scandinavian country, with a population of around 5 million, employs over 9,000 people in the sector. Norwegian aquaculture focuses primarily on the cultivation of mussels, oysters, salmon, and Atlantic halibut, a rare fish species with high culinary and nutritional value, commanding a high selling price.
Sea Shepherd has been defending and preserving the oceans for over 40 years. With a significant fleet, it also protects marine fauna and flora, combats maritime poaching, and fights against illegal activities in international waters. According to Sea Shepherd, Norway exceeds limits in intensive salmon farming, oyster fattening, and trout growth in cages nearing overpopulation.
It’s important to note that 95% of Norwegian aquaculture production is exported, making it a key industry for the country. However, the organization accuses Norway of violating maritime laws and international agreements related to unsustainable farming practices and the environmental impact on marine ecosystems. They emphasize that these practices severely harm aquatic wildlife by spreading diseases, increasing water pollution, and compromising fish welfare due to often overcrowded farming conditions. To counter this, Sea Shepherd organizes awareness campaigns against intensive farmed salmon consumption, monitors Norwegian fish farms, and pressures the government to improve Norwegian aquaculture.