Norwegian government introduces animal welfare policy targeting aquaculture

04/01/2025

In stark contrast to Tasmanian regulatory efforts, the Norwegian government unveiled its new Animal Welfare Policy on December 20, setting high goals for the seafood industry, and requiring systematic welfare improvements and reduced mortality.

Sjømat Norge, the country's largest seafood organization, said that they shared the government's commitment to focusing on fish welfare. The government has stressed that reducing aquaculture mortalities is a priority.

Karoline Skaar Amthor, environmental and health manager emphasised, "Reducing mortality is non-negotiable. Unacceptable incidents must have consequences, and society must trust that aquaculture operators make the right decisions at the right time."

Amthor added that the existing regulatory framework is fragmented and sometimes contradictory, creating uncertainty. "In such cases, there must be no doubt about what constitutes acceptable decisions regarding fish welfare," she said.