State Secretary Vidar Ulriksen's speech at the aquaculture seminar, Puerto Montt – Chile

Your Royal Highnesses, Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

During the last 40 years, the aquaculture industry in Norway has developed from almost nothing into a dynamic export industry. Today our aquaculture industry consists of a mixture of small, medium-sized and large companies with more than 4000 people directly employed.  Aquaculture is an important contributor to the economy of the coastal regions of Norway.  

The total production of the Norwegian aquaculture industry in 2007 was about 800 000 tonnes. Salmon and trout are the dominating species. Other species with substantial growth potential are cod, halibut and mussels. According to the last FAO update, Norway has become the world’s second largest exporter of seafood, with farmed fish representing more than 50% of the total export. 

The expansion of the aquaculture industry has taken place in an interaction between private companies and the authorities. The Government’s policy has been based on three pillars:

• A clear division of responsibility between the industry and the authorities,
• Stability in the regulatory framework that makes it possible for the industry to make long term investments and
• A long term perspective in Research & Development activities    

In August last year the Government developed a strategy for a competitive Norwegian aquaculture industry. The strategy presents the Government’s contribution to ensure sustainable growth in the aquaculture industry. 

One of the measures that will be considered is an area fee that will stimulate local authorities to make new areas available for aquaculture activities. The consolidation of the salmon industry, with the growth of multinational companies, has resulted in less income to the local communities from aquaculture activities. Since the aquaculture industry competes with other businesses in the use of the coastal zone, it is important that the local communities feel that they receive a share of the profits. 

Farming of salmon and other species of fish is an efficient form of food production. With 1 kilogramme of feed it is possible to produce approximately 1 kilogramme of salmon, whereas it takes several times as much feed to produce the same amount of meat in agriculture. The health benefits of eating seafood are also well documented and help to increase the demand for our products. 

While there is large potential for further growth in the aquaculture industry, there are also challenges to meet. Environmental sustainability and fish-health have been mentioned.  

For several years we have had problems with fish escaping from production facilities. In my view, fish escapes are the Norwegian aquaculture industry’s biggest environmental challenge. The escape figures for 2007 show a substantial reduction compared to 2006, and I trust that the positive trend will continue.  

The Government places great emphasis on reducing the number of escaped fish. We have imposed strict requirements for the equipment used and for the education of the work force. We have also established a permanent commission of inquiry that investigates every escape incident. Finally, the Norwegian Aquaculture Act calls for heavy punishment for violations of the environmental regulations. 

Fish health is closely linked with environmental issues. During the 1980s and the beginning of the 1990s, the use of antibiotics increased drastically due to bacterial diseases. Effective vaccines were developed through intensive research, and we have reduced the use of antibiotics in salmon and trout farming with 97%. At the same time production has tripled. 

Norwegian companies and research institutions have acquired know-how that can be used in other parts of the world. We are prepared to share the experiences we have acquired, and many Norwegian companies are already participating in the development of the Chilean salmon industry. In the same way, I am sure that Norwegian companies have much to learn from Chile. 

I would also like to emphasize the potential in further cooperation at the government level, for example in closer cooperation on issues such as marked access. 

I am very pleased to participate in this seminar which will contribute to further cooperation between Norway and Chile. I will attend the dinner tonight and the company visits tomorrow, and I am looking forward to meeting representatives from the Chilean salmon industry. 

Thank you.