Optimistic future for offshore aquaculture off Helgeland
On request from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries, the Directorate of Fisheries proposed in November 2021 three areas along the Norwegian coast for impact assessment and possible adaptation for offshore aquaculture. The Directorate requested input on the proposal from various sector authorities and stakeholders. The three proposed areas were Norskerenna Sør off Rogaland, Frøyabanken off Trøndelag and Tromsøyflaket off Troms and Finnmark.
Interest in Sklinnabanken and Trænabanken During the consultation, several stakeholders expressed their interest in the areas Sklinnabanken and Trænabanken off the Helgeland coast. Utror argued that well-established infrastructure and R&D environment, good biological and economic results, and strong investment willingness and capacity in Nordland should be given significant weight in the process of selecting areas for impact assessment. Furthermore, the heavy industrial expertise in Helgeland was pointed out, and the opportunities for solar energy in the development of offshore aquaculture. Utror and Lovundlaks' consultation response can be read in full here .
Utror praises the Directorate of Fisheries In a new consultation in February 2022, the Directorate of Fisheries asked for input on Sklinnabanken and Trænabanken. Utror praised the Directorate of Fisheries for listening to input from the industry, and repeated the message from the consultation in November 2021. We also recommended that Trænabanken be prioritized if an area outside Nordland is to be selected for an impact assessment. This is based on a total assessment of natural characteristics, opportunities for coexistence, access to existing infrastructure and analysis of the Institute of Marine Research's infection models. Utror and Lovundlaks' consultation response can be read in full here.